Tom Brady

Jimmy Garoppolo has no idea if he's starting the Patriots' preseason opener

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:28 p.m. ET

Cameron DaSilva

The New England Patriots kick off their preseason slate Thursday night against the New Orleans Saints. The two teams have become familiar with one another after practicing together for a couple of days, but there are still several questions looming heading into the opener.

One of those questions is whether Tom Brady or Jimmy Garoppolo will start at quarterback. Bill Belichick hasn’t given any indication either way, and not even Garoppolo has a clue who will be under center to start the game.

“I don't know,” Garoppolo told reporters when asked if he’ll be starting. “Your guess is as good as mine.”

That just goes to show how little information Belichick gives not only the media, but his own players. Garoppolo isn’t the only one left in the dark, either. Rob Gronkowski isn’t sure whether he’ll even be playing in the game.

“I have no idea,” he said. “Whatever Coach [Belichick] is planning for us. I'm planning on playing the whole game.”

Gronkowski obviously won’t be playing the entire game, and it’s unlikely he’ll play more than one or two series, if he sees the field at all. With Brady’s suspension looming and Garoppolo starting the first four games of the season, the offense could stand to use as much time as possible to get him on the same page with his receivers.

That probably won’t include much action together on Thursday night, though.

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Tom Brady

Jimmy Garoppolo

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