Fans and media members finally got an explanation as to why defensive lineman Ron Brace has been present at practice the past week but not actually participating in the sessions with his teammates and coaches. Brace had failed his physical, according to Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio.
[Updated at 9:56 a.m.: I’m told that Brace did, in fact, not pass his conditioning run prior to camp. That’s why he’s been held out. When he passes it, he’ll practice.]
Either way, it’s not a good sign for the 2009 second-round draft pick from Boston College. A lot is expected of him, and there is an opportunity at defensive end when he is able to practice.
But will he be too far behind?