Tom Brady is expected to participate in Patriots OTA activities next week. (David J. Phillip / Associtated Press)

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was absent during the team’s three-day voluntary OTAs, which ended Wednesday — the sessions were primarily for rookies and newer players still familiarizing themselves with the playbook. But Brady did sit down with Patriots.com, telling the Web site that he’s feeling good and hungry to get back on the field with his teammates.

“I’m feeling great and just excited to be out there on the field, training with my teammates,” Brady said. “It’s always fun being back in this competitive environment and working with these guys to try to make 2009 our best season. It’s been fun to be back. I think everyone is excited to get back on the field and see what we’re capable of.

“It was a tough year for us being 11-5 and not having the opportunity to advance into the playoffs and make a run there. I think it’s been a long offseason for everybody. I can sense the excitement with the team and we’ve got some great veteran leadership and a lot of youth and energy with our rookies that hopefully we can build into something special.”

Brady, who is returning from a knee injury he suffered in Week 1 of 2008, has been working in the offseason program without any limitations and is expected to participate in next week’s OTA session.

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