The New England Patriots quarterback will return Week 5 versus the Cleveland Browns.
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After defensive end Owa Odighizuwa knocked down Brissett’s third-down pass attempt, the Patriots sent out Stephen Gostkowski, whose 32-yard field goal closed the Giants lead to 10-9 early in the fourth quarter.
Foster also dropped the ball (literally) by fumbling away the chance at a near-perfect night – and earning Brady’s unwavering trust – in the second quarter. Jimmy Garoppolo, in his third National Football League season, will get the first four starts of his career in Brady’s stead.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – SEPTEMBER 01: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks for an open man as Kerry Wynn #72 of the New York Giants covers during their preseason game at MetLife Stadium on September 1, 2016 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
“I don’t know”, he said.
Garoppolo had some struggles as the team’s starter during the preseason, and Brady’s presence seemed to complicate matters as he received some playing time during the final two games.
The only true ugly moment for Brady came on the very first drive. He saw more action as a rookie in 2014, when he threw 27 passes in six games and completed 19, for 182 yards and a touchdown. Starting quarterback Eli Manning and star receiver Odell Beckham Jr.
CB Leon Hall (concussion) did not play but he was on the field working out prior to the game, a good sign that he will be cleared for this week’s work heading into the opener.
However, the Patriots would get no closer. Ward missed the last two games with an ankle sprain but returned just in time to show he can be the team’s third running back, behind Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman.
During his absence, backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will temporarily take over Brady’s role. Giants third string quarterback Logan Thomas threw a 17-yard fourth quarter touchdown pass to Roger Lewis to give NY their 17-9 lead and seal the win. His effectiveness without Brady will be a key storyline for the Patriots. It’s tough to tell a guy that you can’t be on the team when he did everything that you asked him to do.
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There were moments to be concerned, like when Brady took a hit in the pocket on the first drive and when Romeo Okwara tackled him on a two-point conversion, causing Brady to hit the turf with both knees.
