FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots on Thursday opened their organized team activities to the media for the first time this offseason, and one of the standout performers was the man who very well could begin the season as the team’s starting quarterback.
Third-year pro Jimmy Garoppolo impressed during the two-hour practice session, completing 24 of 29 passes (including 8 of 9 in 11-on-11s) as he split reps with Tom Brady and third-round draft pick Jacoby Brissett.
A few video clips from Patriots OTAs. Here's a Jimmy G completion to new Pats wideout Chris Hogan. pic.twitter.com/393gsOf1QR
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) May 26, 2016
There is no quarterback controversy in New England — if Brady is eligible and healthy enough to play, he will be the starter, no questions asked. But with the 38-year-old currently suspended for the first four games of the upcoming season as punishment for Deflategate, the Patriots likely will rely on Garoppolo as their starting QB until Brady’s ban is either served or overturned.
Garoppolo has appeared in 11 regular-season games since the Patriots selected him in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft, and each of those appearances came in garbage time. He has completed 20 of 31 passes for 188 yards with one touchdown.
The Patriots, who held closed OTAs on Monday and Tuesday, will return to the practice field next week for two more sessions before minicamp begins June 7.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
