Tom Brady says shoulder 'feels great,' he will play Sunday

TAMPA, Fla. — Despite experiencing some discomfort in his right shoulder and finger that forced him to miss practice Wednesday, quarterback Tom Brady said that he will play Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons at home as the 2-2 Buccaneers try to secure their first home win of the season.

«It feels great,» Brady said Thursday with a smile. «I'll be there Sunday.»

Brady suffered a shoulder injury on a strip sack by cornerback L'Jarius Sneed in the first half of the Bucs' 41-31 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday night. He did not miss a snap in that game, but appeared to be in discomfort and, at one point, backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert was warming up on the sidelines.

By Thursday of this week though, the injury did not appear to bother him. During the portion of practice that was open to the media, Brady went through his usual throwing routine with no problems. And Wednesday has been Brady's day off so far this season, although previously those rest days were preventative, and he did practice last week despite dealing with the injury to his right ring finger. He was listed as a full participant on the Buccaneers' injury report.

Against the Chiefs, the Bucs looked more like the offense that averaged 30 points a game this time last year, scoring four touchdowns after just three offensive touchdowns through the first three regular-season games this season. That was due in large part to Brady having his weapons back. Seldom has Brady had all his top receivers at his disposal this year in practice and in games.

«That's important,» Brady said. «I think we are trying to get everyone out there so we can build on certain things and I think that when you have those guys out there, obviously there's great players that are