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MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Tom Brady briefly turned into a contortionist in the second quarter of the New England Patriots' 20-10 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh rolled up Brady from behind, forcing the quarterback to bend backward to the point where his helmet was nearly touching his cleat.

Brady didn't miss a snap, which is why fellow captain Matthew Slater was praising his toughness after the game.

"The guy is tough as nails," special teams captain Matthew Slater said. "The one thing I know about him after playing with him for eight years is not too many dudes are tougher than him."

There are 20 Patriots on injured reserve, and most key players have missed at least one game this season, but Brady has stayed on the sideline for just 13 snaps. That's despite a leaky offensive line, which allowed Brady to get hit six times officially Sunday and much more by unofficial count.

"You never want to see 12 get hit or 12 have an injury," Slater said. "He's so important to our football team. You don't want to see any of your teammates get hurt. Injuries are a tough part of this game. You hate to see guys get injured. I don't know his status."

There is hope that Brady won't be blasted quite as often when the postseason rolls around. Starting wide receiver Julian Edelman is expected back for the playoffs, which should open the quick passing game, putting less emphasis on the offensive line.

Thumbnail photo via Denny Medley/USA TODAY Sports Images