The New England Patriots reportedly haven’t made a decision on their backup quarterback, but one of the candidates will get a huge audition this week.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday that rookie quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will start the Patriots’ final preseason game on Thursday against the New York Giants. According to Schefter, Garoppolo could end up playing the entire game.
However, Schefter also reported that the Patriots haven’t made a decision on who will back up Tom Brady this season. Garoppolo and veteran backup Ryan Mallett have been battling for the job this preseason.
Garoppolo is coming off of a fine showing in the Patriots’ third preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on Friday night. The Eastern Illinois product went 9-for-12 for 105 y yards and a touchdown in the Patriots’ blowout win. The rookie has completed 24 of 37 passes for four touchdowns in three preseason games.
Mallett saw just one series against the Panthers, completing two of three passes for 14 yards. He’s 14-for-26 this preseason for 161 yards and a touchdown.
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