Report: Tom Brady misses Patriots practice with illness

Tom Brady was nowhere to be seen Wednesday when the New England Patriots held their first major practice ahead of Sunday’s AFC championship game against the Denver Broncos.

Multiple media outlets are reporting that the star quarterback missed practice due to illness. ESPN’s anonymous source called whatever is ailing Brady “minor” and that he is “good and will be ready for Sunday.”

Brady also pushed his scheduled news conference back to Friday.

Coach Bill Belichick did appear at his own news conference but was no help when it came to information on the missing superstar.

“The injury report will be available later today,” Belichick said.

Last week Brady had a cold but didn’t miss practice and went on to lead the Patriots to a 43-22 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday night.

Backup Ryan Mallett, who took all the snaps with both the first-team and scout-team offenses Wednesday, said he wasn’t concerned about Brady’s status for Sunday’s game. Other than missing all but one game in 2008 with a torn knee ligament, Brady hasn’t let a health issue prevent him from starting since he became took over the role in 2002.

“Tom?” Mallett said. “No, I’m not worried.”