Foxboro, MA (Sports Network) - New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi may return to action this season just months after suffering a mild stroke, according to a published report.
The Boston Herald stated Friday that there is a chance Bruschi could return to the field this season because he has yet to be placed on injured reserve. He is currently on the physically unable to perform list, but once a player is placed on IR he becomes ineligible to play again that season.
Bruschi suffered a stroke on February 16 and underwent subsequent surgery on his heart the following month. Since then he has been visiting doctors in an effort to gather information to see if a comeback this season is possible.
The 32-year-old linebacker had stated early in the year that he would not return until the 2006 season. However, when asked by the Herald if there was a possibility he could return this year, Bruschi simply said, "No comment."
Bruschi had an interception in the Patriots' 24-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl XXXIX on February 6, helping New England to its third Super Bowl Championship in four years. The Patriots joined the 1992-95 Dallas Cowboys as the only teams in NFL history to accomplish the feat, and they are the only franchise to do it in the salary-cap era.
The nine-year veteran out of Arizona had 122 tackles during the 2004 regular season, which trailed only Rodney Harrison for the team high. Bruschi also recorded 3 1/2 sacks and three interceptions.