The defending AFC Champion New England Patriots are getting ready for their first preseason game of 2012. On Thursday night, they'll take on the New Orleans Saints.There was some question about whether Patriots quarterback Tom Brady would be playing in the game, but those fears have been put to rest as he will at the very least take a few snaps in Foxborough.
Greg A. Bedard of the Boston Globe reports that Brady has confirmed he will be playing in Thursday's game against the Saints. Brady did not play in the 2011 preseason opener, but that was mostly due to concerns about the offensive line following the NFL lockout.
Brady played two series in the 2010 preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. That is likely the sort of performance that can be expected on Thursday against the Saints, as the Patriots would like to get an extended look at backup Ryan Mallett.
For more on the Saints, check out Canal Street Chronicles. For more on the Patriots, head over to Pats Pulpit.