Bill Belichick seems to be finding a balance between limiting intel given to reporters, and doing so with a smirk and a joke, rather than a glare and a grunt.

When asked if he had an injury update on running back Ty Montgomery, the Patriots head coach declined to address that particular situation and deferred to next week’s first injury report of the regular season. But, as Belichick has operated in his pressers for weeks now, he got uncommonly playful about it after starting with a flat “No.” You can watch his reaction at the 8:26 mark in the above video from the Patriots’ Twitter account.

“Can’t wait for those injury reports to come out, though, and then we can update you on a regular basis,” Belichick deadpanned, with some hints of a smile. “When do they start? Next week? Can’t wait for those.

“So, yeah, we’ll get you the updates on those, but since we’re not doing that now, it’s not really part of the … sorry (smirking slightly).”

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 26: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on August 26, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Patriots 23-6. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Belichick’s demeanor alone when answering the question bodes well for Montgomery, who was carted off the field after leaving the Patriots’ preseason finale with an ankle injury. But as you may expect, the initial fears always jump to the worst possible injuries, like an ACL or Achilles tear. Belichick also said in an interview on WEEI that Montgomery is “doing all right” (via Mike Reiss), which pretty much confirms that Montgomery’s injury didn’t end his season.

Montgomery could still be dealing with a high ankle sprain, which could have a recovery time of 6-8 weeks. A regular ol’ low ankle sprain would be the ultimate false alarm and could heal in time for Montgomery to be ready for the Sept. 11 season opener in Miami.

Belichick’s answer obviously didn’t give specifics on Montgomery, but it implied that the veteran back will simply be on the Week 1 injury report, and it’s not much more serious than that. If Montgomery does have to miss time, it doesn’t sound like it’ll be long.

However, if the Patriots have to play without Montgomery, it would be a significant loss for the passing offense. Montgomery emerged over the course of training camp as the go-to guy in the backfield during no-huddle and two-minute situations, a role James White held down for most of his career in New England.

Based on their preseason usage, they will use both Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson as three-down backs on given drives, ostensibly to increase unpredictability. Montgomery has clearly been more of a pure passing back, but a key one in the system as it was building throughout the summer.

Aug 26, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Ty Montgomery (14) is helped off the field after sustaining an injury during a preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots have to cut their roster down to 53 players by 4 p.m. on Tuesday. Assuming Montgomery’s injury isn’t season-ending, he’s a virtual lock to make the team, which would allow Belichick to place him on short-term injured reserve, if necessary. If he does have to go on IR, that could improve the chances of J.J. Taylor making the 53-man roster, or quickly re-signing after being cut as a procedural move.

We’ll keep you updated with everything as it pertains to the Patriots’ final roster cutdowns and further injury updates here at 985TheSportsHub.com. Click here for complete Patriots coverage.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. You can also email him at [email protected].