Still No Return Date for Tom Brady

When Tom Brady suddenly departed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp last week citing personal reasons, eyebrows were raised all across the NFL landscape. With a week now come and gone, new details are few and far between. Not even a set timeline for his return has emerged:

Todd Bowles on Tom Brady’s return: “We’ll see. We’ll talk about it next week. I’m not concerned about it right now. We’re trying to practice against Tennessee and play a game. I said sometime after Tennessee. There’s no definitive date for me. We’ll keep in touch and find out.”

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) August 18, 2022

The ageless Brady led the league in passing yards and touchdowns last season, so there's little reason to doubt his ability heading into this September. But after briefly retiring earlier this year, it's possible the grind of the offseason has lost a little bit of its lustre. Famous for his preparation and obsessiveness, Brady is allegedly seeking a better work-life balance.

Photo Credit: © Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

With new veteran pass-catchers Julio Jones, Russell Gage and Kyle Rudolph in the fold, the Buccaneers have a chance to sport one of the best receiving corps in the league this year. However, it takes more than talent to make a passing attack great. Chemistry and timing are essential, and there's no surer way to establish both than reps. But rest and recovery are important too. Hopefully, Brady can find the balance he's looking for.

Photo Credit: © Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports