Neither is much of a surprise.

It would be a big surprise if the record-setting quarterback, who had a right foot injury and missed all four exhibition games, doesn't start Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs.

''If it's up to me, there's no question'' Brady said Monday. ''I've been getting progressively better over the past couple of weeks. I'm excited. I'm excited to start the year.''

The secretive Belichick deflected a question about whether last season's NFL MVP would start Sunday.

''We will give you the injury report on Friday,'' he told reporters Monday. ''We will give you the practice report after we practice.''

Upshaw tribute

NFL players will wear a uniform patch this season to honor NFL Players' Association leader Gene Upshaw, who died Aug. 20.

The league announced Monday that the patch will have the initials GU and the number 63, which he wore while playing for the Oakland Raiders.

Upshaw died of pancreatic cancer just three days after he was diagnosed.

The patch will be worn on the left chest of jerseys and is scheduled to make its debut Thursday, when the New York Giants and Washington Redskins open the season.

Around the league

Lions: ESPN.com reported that Detroit reached a one-year agreement with running back Rudi Johnson, who worked out for the team after being released Saturday by Cincinnati. Johnson rushed for 5,742 yards in seven seasons with the Bengals.

Browns: Receiver Braylon Edwards, sidelined since Aug. 9 with a severely cut right foot, and Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Anderson, out for two weeks with a concussion, were both back at practice Monday.

Ravens: Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco will start in the season opener for Baltimore, who awarded the job to their top draft pick because he's the healthiest player at the position.

Saints: General manager Mickey Loomis said the team remains hopeful it will host its season opener against Tampa Bay on Sunday. The Saints moved their practice site to Indianapolis over the weekend to get out of the path of Hurricane Gustav.

Raiders: Oakland agreed to terms on a one-year contract with discarded receiver Ashley Lelie in hopes that the former first-round pick can bolster an inexperienced position group.

Patriots: New England signed two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Deltha O'Neal two days after he was released by Cincinnati.

Jaguars: Receiver Jerry Porter practiced for the first time in nearly three months. He had surgery to repair a torn hamstring in July.