Brady absent at start of Patriots practice

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was not on the field during the media-access portion of Friday's practice.

It's the first time this season that Brady has missed a practice. He showed up on the injury report Wednesday due to a knee injury that he apparently suffered in a loss against the Tennessee Titans on Nov. 11 prior to New England's bye.

Despite the injury designation earlier in the week, the Boston Globe reported that Brady was expected to play Sunday at the New York Jets, per a league source.

Brady, who failed to throw a touchdown pass for the second time in three games in the 34-10 drubbing by the Titans, did post a message on his Instagram account Friday with a "Happy (black) Friday!" wish.

The three-time NFL Most Valuable Player came up gimpy on a trick play against the Titans after taking a hit to the knee on a reception from wide receiver Julian Edelman in the fourth quarter.

Brady did not return to the game, but New England was already down by 24 points. Backup Brian Hoyer attempted only one pass in mop-up duty.

The 41-year-old Brady, who has only one scoring pass over the past three games, has seen the offense sputter of late due to injuries to star tight end Rob Gronkowski and starting running back Sony Michel.

Still, Brady had guided the Patriots to six consecutive victories before the debacle in Nashville. New England scored at least 30 points in five of the six wins.

For the season, the four-time Super Bowl MVP has thrown for 2,748 yards with 17 touchdowns against seven interceptions. Last season, Brady had 32 scoring passes against eight picks en route to leading New England to the Super Bowl and winning his third league MVP award.

Journeyman Hoyer, in his second stint as Brady's backup, has attempted only one pass while appearing in three games for the Patriots this season.

The 33-year-old Hoyer made six starts for San Francisco last season, throwing for 1,287 yards with four touchdowns and four interceptions. He has a 16-21 record as a starter in his career.