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As the New England Patriots suit up to face the New Orleans Saints, expect quarterback Tom Brady to lead the team out onto the field. If prior preseasons are of any note, look for Brady to play the first couple of drives before turning the reigns over to Jimmy Garoppolo.
The Patriots will be playing shorthanded due to all of the injuries the team has suffered.
On offense, the Patriots offensive line will be without center Bryan Stork, but starting tackles Nate Solder and Sebastian Vollmer should see some starting time. The player who takes Storks' spot (likely undrafted rookie David Andrews) has the inside track of making the roster.
The Patriots will also be without Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell, Aaron Dobson, and Brian Tyms, so Brandon Gibson and Chris Harper will receive plenty of looks with the first team alongside Danny Amendola. Tight ends Scott Chandler and Jake Bequette are unlikely to play, but it will be interesting to see if Rob Gronkowski sees any time on the field.
On defense, Tarell Brown is the likely candidate to start across from cornerback Malcolm Butler due to an injury to rookie Darryl Roberts. Brown wasn't able to play in week 1, so this will be a first glimpse at the potential starting Patriots secondary.
Additionally, look for improvements from the defensive line, including the tandem first round picks of Dominique Easley and Malcom Brown. Linebacker Dont'a Hightower should make his way back on the field. Rookie Geneo Grissom has had a strong week in practice so any translation on the field will be fun to watch.
Below are the basic details for viewing, click here for more information.
Location: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana
Kickoff: 7:30 PM EST
TV: WBZ, CBS
Radio: 98.5 FM, with Scott Zolak and Bob Socci
SB Nation Coverage: Patriots vs Saints coverage
Online Streaming: NFL Game Pass, 98.5 The Sports Hub Online Radio Stream
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