FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots plan to have quarterback Tom Brady sit out Thursday night's preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Jimmy Garoppolo will get the start.
A source also told ESPN that Brady is one of several top players not expected to play. That group is expected to include tight end Rob Gronkowski and receivers Julian Edelman and Chris Hogan, among others.
With Brady serving a four-game suspension to open the season as part of the NFL's Deflategate penalties, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said July 27 that the team's priority is to get Garoppolo ready for the start of the season and Brady will be the starter upon his return Oct. 9 against the Cleveland Browns.
That was as expansive as Belichick has been on the quarterback situation through 12 training camp practices. He has deflected any questions on the topic, sometimes with annoyance.
The Boston Herald first reported Wednesday that the Patriots planned to keep Brady out of the preseason opener.
Last year, the Patriots planned to do the same in the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers, but things shifted as the game approached, and Brady played two series before giving way to Garoppolo. At the time, the Patriots were still uncertain as to whether Brady would be available for the start of the 2015 regular season. There is no such uncertainty this year, which Garoppolo acknowledged Wednesday.
"It's different, for sure, keeps you on your toes, keeps you sharp," he said.
Asked if he's happy with his progress at this point, Garoppolo said, "We're moving in the right direction."
As for the Saints, quarterback Drew Brees said Wednesday that he expects to play one series.