FOXBORO -- Wednesday is typically the day during the week when the Patriots starting quarterback meets with the media. That means that for the majority of Wednesdays over the last 16 years, Tom Brady has stepped to the podium for a back-and-forth with reporters.
That isn't expected to happen this Wednesday.
Though Brady's suspension is over, because he is on the exempt list -- meaning he is not taking up a spot on New England's 53-man roster -- the Patriots have been told by the NFL that he is exempt from his weekly media obligations.
That means that Brady won't be required to hold a press conference or hop on a conference call with Browns reporters until he is activated. The same guidelines apply to defensive end Rob Ninkovich, who is also on the exempt list after his four-game suspension ended on Monday.
Both Brady and Ninkovich could be activated as late as Saturday if the Patriots want them to play in Sunday's game with the Browns. Though they are permitted to speak to the media if they so choose, don't expect them to be available until following the game in Cleveland.