While some may have found it odd that Patriots star QB Tom Brady played almost all of Sunday’s game against the Texans — save for the drives at the end of each half — the strategy was in fact arranged well before the game, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Brady is nursing painful rib and finger injuries, and though he and coach Bill Belichick thought it was important that he play Sunday to keep the offense rolling heading into the playoffs, they also wanted to limit risk. Thus back-up QB Brian Hoyer entered the game in all two-minute drill situations, when it was obvious the team would be pass-heavy and thus open Brady up to potential hits.

Brady moved the ball much of the day, but with the game in reach in the final minutes Belichick still stuck with inexperienced Hoyer. While Brady got through the game, Pro Bowl WR Wes Welker suffered a freak knee injury that is virtually certain to end his season.

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