Nearing long-term deal with San Francisco

Garoppolo and the 49ers have gained significant momentum in negotiations on a long-term contract extension and could strike a deal in the near future, a source informed Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: A long-term deal with the 49ers always seemed to be in store for Garoppolo after he was acquired from the Patriots prior to the trade deadline, and San Francisco's interest in extending him likely only intensified after the quarterback guided the team to a 5-0 record in his starts while completing 67 percent of his passes for 1,542 yards and six touchdowns. Per Rapoport, Garoppolo's new contract is expected to place him among the upper echelon of quarterbacks in terms of average annual salary.…read more

Garoppolo completed 20 of 33 pass attempts for 292 yards, two touchdowns and a pair of interceptions in Sunday's 34-13 victory over the Rams.

Analysis: The 26-year-old cruised to his fifth straight victory against a Rams squad that rested 17 of its starters with nothing left to prove during the regular season. While the scoreboard displayed a lopsided result, Garoppolo endured uncharacteristic stints of inaccuracy against a defensive unit that was without standouts Aaron Donald, Mark Barron, and Lamarcus Joyner; most notably on his second interception of the game where he sailed a pass way over his intended target that landed safely in Kevin…read more

Garoppolo completed 21-of-30 passes for 242 yards, two touchdowns and one interception against Jacksonville on Sunday. He added a third touchdown on the ground.

Analysis: Despite facing off against what might be the best pass defense the NFL has seen in years, Garoppolo took a meager supporting cast and led his team to 44 points against the Jaguars. In taking down a Jacksonville defense featuring both the league's strongest pass rush and top corner rotation, Garoppolo continues to vindicate San Francisco's decision to trade a second-round pick to acquire his rights. He gets a tough Rams pass defense next week, but it's a more favorable draw the Jaguars by any…read more

Garoppolo completed 31 of 43 pass attempts for 381 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's 25-23 win over the Titans.

Analysis: Garoppolo completed 72 percent of his pass attempts, spreading the ball around to nine different receivers. He averaged a healthy 8.9 yards per attempt as he eclipsed his previous career high in passing yardage. Perhaps most impressively, he led four scoring drives in the fourth quarter, including one that put Robbie Gould in position to hit the game-winning 48-yard field goal as time expired. Garoppolo's acquisition has gone swimmingly for the 49ers, as he's averaged 336 yards per game while…read more

Garoppolo completed 20 of 33 passes for 334 yards, one touchdown and one interception in Sunday's 26-16 win at Houston.

Analysis: Garoppolo was intercepted in Houston territory during the first quarter but led a scoring drive capped by a Carlos Hyde run in the second. He added a six-yard touchdown pass to Garrett Celek late in the third quarter after hitting the tight end for a 61-yard gain earlier in the drive. While the former Patriots quarterback hasn't moved the needle much in terms of fantasy production himself, his presence under center has instilled some life into San Francisco's other offensive players. That…read more

Will start again Sunday

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan has named Garoppolo the starting quarterback for this Sunday's game against the Texans, ESPN's Nick Wagoner reports.

Analysis: Garoppolo threw for nearly 300 yards while completing over 70 percent of his passes in Sunday's first start for the 49ers. That production coupled with the fact he led San Francisco to just its second victory of the season makes Shanahan's decision a no-brainer, despite any admiration rookie C.J. Beathard's effort has garnered thus far. Now with the keys to his new team's offense, Garoppolo will look to build on his promising full debut, and this weekend's matchup versus the Texans appears…read more

Garoppolo completed 26 of 37 pass attempts for 293 yards and one interception in Sunday's 15-14 win over the Bears. He also ran four times for eight yards.

Analysis: While he was unable to lead a touchdown drive on the day, he did lead five drives that ended in a field goal, and it was just enough for the victory. More importantly, the 26-year-old acquitted himself well in a tough matchup. It is hard to believe that the 49ers would go back to the ineffective C.J. Beathard after this performance, but the team has been stubbornly loyal to him while Garoppolo gets comfortable with the offense. If Garoppolo does get the call, he will be in line for a juicy…read more

Will make first start as 49er

Head coach Kyle Shanahan named Garoppolo the 49ers' starting quarterback for Sunday's game at Chicago.

Analysis: Shanahan's decision was likely influenced by the health of C.J. Beathard, who sustained a knee contusion and hip strain in the waning minutes of Sunday's loss to the Seahawks. With 1:07 remaining, Garoppolo took over the offense at the Seattle 23-yard line and drove the 49ers to their sole touchdown of the day on the backs of a four-yard scramble and two completions for 18 yards. His first chance to lead from the get-go comes against a Bears defense that has allowed 233.1 yards passing per game…read more

Not getting boost from late TD

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said Garoppolo's performance in the waning seconds of Sunday's 24-13 loss to Seattle won't carry any weight in the team's quarterback decision for Week 13 in Chicago, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Analysis: The team won't even have a decision to make if C.J. Beathard's leg/hip injury turns out to be serious. The rookie struggled in Sunday's loss, but Shanahan said he never considered benching Beathard prior to his injury with 67 seconds remaining. Garoppolo came in for the final three snaps, picking up four yards on a scramble and completing both of pass attempts for 18 yards and a touchdown. Beathard is scheduled to have an MRI on Monday, but given how poorly he played in Sunday's loss, the…read more

Garoppolo completed both of his pass attempts for 18 yards and a touchdown and added a four-yard run during Sunday's 24-13 loss to Seattle.

Analysis: Is it Garoppolo time in San Francisco? It looks that way after the trade-acquisition was pushed into action after C.J. Beathard took a rough hit. Garoppolo promptly scrambled around and hit Louis Murphy for a 10-yard score as time expired. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has been very patient with Garoppolo given the complexity of San Francisco's offense, but it'll be tough to keep him out of the lineup even if Beathard is OK given how well he played in very limited opportunities on Sunday.

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday that the 49ers are comfortable using their franchise tag on Garoppolo next season, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. "He does not have to play (this season)," Shanahan said. "It's not that we're coming to this deadline and we've got to decide our future, ours and his, for both sides. We've got six games left and we're going to have next year, also. I know you have to franchise a quarterback to keep him, but quarterbacks are expensive. And that is not that big of a deal to us."

Analysis: Shanahan's comments support the notion that the 49ers view Garoppolo as a long-term solution at quarterback, despite the 26-year-old having yet to take a snap with his new team, who acquired him Oct. 30 for a 2018 second-round pick. C.J. Beathard will retain starting duties Sunday against the Seahawks, but it's expected that Garoppolo will make his debut at some point down the stretch as the team looks to get a clearer evaluation of him heading into the offseason. The one-year tag -- which…read more

The 49ers named C.J. Beathard (thumb) their starting quarterback over Garoppolo for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Analysis: With the 49ers returning from a bye, it seemed Week 12 was the most likely date for Garoppolo's first start with his new team. Beathard threw a hitch in that timeline, however, when he amassed 288 passing yards and accounted for three touchdowns in a 31-21 win over the Giants in Week 10. It would still be surprising if the 49ers don't start Garoppolo at least once or twice before the end of the season, but it apparently won't happen this Sunday.

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan hasn't decided whether Garoppolo or C.J. Beathard will start Week 12 against the Seahawks, Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area reports.

Analysis: With the 49ers on bye in Week 11, the Nov. 26 game against Seattle has always seemed like the logical date for Garoppolo to make his first start. Beathard's excellent performance in Sunday's 31-21 win over the Giants might encourage Shanahan to wait a bit longer, though one strong outing against a terrible team doesn't make up for the three consecutive ugly starts that preceded it. If the Niners don't switch quarterbacks right after the bye week, it'll likely be the product of a desire to get a…read more

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday that C.J. Beathard will start Sunday's contest versus the Giants, ensuring Garoppolo remains a reserve, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: At some point, the 49ers will want to learn about the investment made in Garoppolo, but that day won't come Sunday, at least at the outset of the game. Garoppolo's initial snap with the 49ers will be his first since Week 17 of last season with the Patriots.

San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan expects C.J. Beathard to start Sunday's game versus the Giants, relegating Garoppolo to backup duties for the second straight week, Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Analysis: Following his trade from New England to San Francisco last week, Garoppolo is eventually expected to get a look as the team's starting quarterback, but a change under center looks like it will be delayed until after the 49ers' Week 11 bye. Shanahan seemingly hinted Wednesday that a change would be afoot, stating that he wants Garoppolo to play "hopefully sooner than later." In the meantime, though, Garoppolo will continue to brush up on the playbook in preparation for eventually unseating…read more

Garoppolo will be serve as the No. 2 quarterback for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Cam Inman of The San Jose Mercury News reports.

Analysis: San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday that he can't promise Garoppolo will play this season, emphasizing that Tuesday's trade was made with a focus on 2018 and beyond. Regardless, the team's recent acquisition will be active Sunday, as the 49ers are only carrying two quarterbacks on their roster. Despite what Shanahan said earlier in the week, it's seemingly only a matter of time before Garoppolo replaces struggling starter C.J. Beathard. The 49ers presumably will want to get a…read more

Won't necessarily play this season

49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said he can't promise that Garoppolo will play this season, Joe Fann of the team's official website reports.

Analysis: Per Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, Shanahan emphasized that the Niners acquired Garoppolo to improve their organization rather than save their 2017 season. That probably goes without saying when your team has an 0-8 record, and it nonetheless seems the 49ers have every incentive to at least give Garoppolo a look for a few games before the end of the year. He's scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the season, and while a strong showing undoubtedly would raise his price, it…read more

Unlikely to start Sunday

Garoppolo isn't expected to start Sunday's game against the Cardinals, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: The shocker of the trade deadline to date, Garoppolo's move from New England to San Francisco brings with it a coveted starting gig. That said, his lack of familiarity with head coach Kyle Shanahan's playbook will likely contain him to clipboard duty behind rookie signal caller C.J. Beathard, at least for one contest. Assuming the preceding comes to pass, Shanahan and company will prepare Garoppolo for a Week 10 matchup with the Giants on Sunday, Nov. 12.

Dealt to San Francisco

The Patriots traded Garoppolo to the 49ers on Monday in exchange for a 2018 second-round draft pick, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Garoppolo was thought to be the eventual successor to Tom Brady whenever the future Hall of Famer decided to hang up the cleats. New England's decision to trade him either signals the team's confidence that Brady will stick around for a few more years, the team's lack of confidence that they'd be able to re-sign Garappolo at a reasonable price when the 2014 second-rounder hits free agency at the end of the season, or both. Now in San Francisco, Garoppolo is an instant upgrade over rookie C.J.…read more

Garoppolo completed 22-of-28 passes for 235 yards and two touchdowns while adding a three-yard carry in Thursday's preseason opener against the Jaguars.

Analysis: Garoppolo worked until halfway through the third quarter before giving way to Jacoby Brissett. He was able to rack up excellent numbers in that span even with many offensive regulars joining starting quarterback Tom Brady on the sideline, tossing touchdowns to Austin Carr and K.J. Maye. Garoppolo's chances of supplanting Brady as the starter are about as good as those of a team coming back from a 28-3 deficit to win a Super Bowl, but stranger things have happened.

Garoppolo, who dealt with a minor leg-related injury during OTAs, is healthy for training camp, per the Patriots' official site.

Analysis: As long as starter Tom Brady, who turns 40 on Aug. 3, remains healthy, Garoppolo will be entrenched as the Patriots' No. 2 signal-caller, while Jacoby Brissett slots in as the team's third QB. After an offseason that featured rumors the Patriots might consider dealing Garoppolo, it's clear that the 2014 second-rounder will remain with the franchise for at least 2017 season. Brady has a solid history in terms of durability (other than a torn ACL in 2008), but if Garoppolo is forced into action…read more

Garoppolo appeared to be limited at Tuesday's OTAs with what ESPN's Mike Reiss describes as a minor leg-related injury.

Analysis: With Garoppolo not participating in drills, third-stringer Jacoby Brissett saw added QB reps Tuesday. At this stage, Garoppolo's leg issue doesn't look a big concern and he's entrenched as Tom Brady's top backup in the wake of an offseason filled with speculation that the Patriots may elect to move Garoppolo, who is now in the final year of his rookie contract. An all-in approach for the coming season prevailed, however, and there's also been chatter that the Patriots could find ways (such as…read more

Garoppolo finished up the 2016 regular season with 43 completions on 63 attempts for 502 yards to go along with four TDs and zero picks over the course of six appearances for the Patriots.

Analysis: The 2014 second-rounder had an early-season opportunity to fill in for the suspended Tom Brady cut short due to a shoulder injury, but Garoppolo was nonetheless able to do enough in the time that he was healthy to potentially draw offseason trade interest. Garoppolo is under contract with New England in 2017, but with Brady still entrenched as the team's starter, the Patriots could be tempted to deal Garoppolo if the right offer comes along. Alternatively, they could hold on to him as a…read more

Garoppolo does not have a designation on Friday's final injury report for Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Analysis: Garoppolo was limited in Wednesday's practice, but he's since been removed from New England's injury report, indicating that he's put the issue with his right shoulder behind him. While the Patriots will certainly be glad to have Garoppolo fully healthy, he's nothing more than Tom Brady's backup now.

Garoppolo (right shoulder) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Browns.

Analysis: With Jacoby Brissett now on IR, Garoppolo is locked in as Tom Brady's top backup, but he's not going to start again this season unless Brady suffers an injury, or in the event that a late-season scenario emerges in which starters are rested.

Garoppolo (right shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Browns.

Analysis: With Jacoby Brissett now on IR, we'd expect Garoppolo to suit up as Tom Brady's top backup Sunday, but he's not going to see the field again this season unless Brady suffers an injury, or until it's garbage time in either a blowout or a late-season scenario in which starters are rested.

Garoppolo (right shoulder) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Analysis: As was fellow QB Jacoby Brissett, though with Tom Brady back in action, both Garoppolo and Brissett are now relegated to backup duty.

Garoppolo (right shoulder) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bills.

Analysis: Garoppolo's shoulder is not only too sore for him to start Sunday, but the Patriots won't even suit him up as a backup in Week 4. With top QB Tom Brady not back from his suspension until next week, wideout Julian Edelman profiles as the team's emergency option at QB on Sunday.

Not in line to start Sunday

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Garoppolo's (shoulder) teammate, Jacoby Brissett, will start at QB for the Patriots in Sunday's game against the Bills.

Analysis: Per the report, Garoppolo is expected to be inactive Sunday, which would set the stage for wideout Julian Edelman to back up Brissett on Sunday.

The Patriots will evaluate Garoppolo's shoulder Sunday morning to decide whether he or Jacoby Brissett will start against the Bills, the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

Analysis: We'll know before game time, but it sounds like it's still up in the air at this point.

Listed as questionable, as is Brissett

Both Garoppolo (right shoulder) and Jacoby Brissett (right thumb) are listed as questionable for Sunday's 1:00 ET game against the Bills, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: As are six other Pats, with no players listed as doubtful or out by the team heading into Week 4 action. At this stage, the Patriots have not indicated whether Garoppolo or Brissett will start this weekend and it wouldn't surprise us if clarity on that front didn't arrive until Sunday. Either way, top QB Tom Brady is slated to return to action in Week 5, so Garoppolo's window of fantasy opportunity is closing soon.

Limited at practice Wednesday

Garoppolo (sprained right AC joint) was officially listed as a limited practice participant Wednesday.

Analysis: Garoppolo was able to do some throwing at practice Wednesday, but at this stage, it remains unclear whether he or Jacoby Brissett, who is dealing with a thumb injury, will draw the start at QB for the Patriots on Sunday against the Bills. "We'll see on Sunday. I don't know right now," Garoppolo noted Wednesday.

Garoppolo (sprained right AC joint) "worked on pocket mobility and lighter throws" during the early stages of Wednesday's practice, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: The same applies to Jacoby Brissett, with the report encouragingly noting that Garoppolo didn't appear to be favoring his shoulder and that Brissett didn't seem bothered by his right thumb issue. At this point, it looks like at least one, if not both, of the Patriots' signal-callers will be available for Sunday's game against the Bills, though who might draw the start for the contest has yet to be determined.

Garoppolo (shoulder) and Jacoby Brissett (thumb) were both present for the start of Tuesday's practice, ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: While a return after just three days off was clearly too much to ask, Garoppolo could be ready to face Buffalo on Sunday, two weeks after spraining the AC joint in his right shoulder. It seems the Patriots expect Garoppolo and/or Brissett to be available, as the team hasn't made a roster move at quarterback since Thursday's win over the Texans. In any case, there's only one more game left for the taking, with Tom Brady set to return from his suspension in Week 5.

Garoppolo (right shoulder) is inactive for Thursday night's game against the Texans.

Analysis: As a result, Jacoby Brissett will start at QB for the Patriots on Thursday, with wide receiver Julian Edelman - a college signal-caller - on hand as an emergency QB option for the team.

May not suit up as backup Thursday

ESPN's Mike Reiss suggests that "at this time, the Patriots are not expected to have Garoppolo (right shoulder) in uniform" for Thursday night's game against the Texans.

Analysis: Previous reports suggested that Garoppolo was in line to serve as the Patriots' backup QB behind Jacoby Brissett on Thursday, but evidently such an outcome is not a lock. Either way, Garoppolo is not expected to start Thursday's game, and unless that expectation changes closer to kickoff, Garoppolo will remain off the Week 3 fantasy lineup radar.

Expected to suit up, but not start, Thursday

Garoppolo (shoulder) is expected to be active for Thursday's game against the Texans, but is set to serve as the backup behind Jacoby Brissett , Courtney Fallon of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: The news that Garoppolo will suit up comes as a surprise given his "doubtful" designation, but he is apparently healthy enough to at least suit up Thursday night. The fact the Patriots did not add another quarterback to the roster, however, indicates the team has full confidence in Brissett; so Garoppolo would likely only see the field in an emergency.

Listed as doubtful for Thursday

The Patriots list Garoppolo (right shoulder) as doubtful for Thursday night's game against the Texans.

Analysis: Per ESPN's Mike Reiss, Garoppolo was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's walk-through practice. If Garoppolo -- who is dealing with a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder -- can't start Thursday's game, rookie Jacoby Brissett would be in line to handle the assignment. While Garoppolo's Week 3 status may not be finalized until the release of the Patriots' inactives, the doubtful designation and shoulder injury in play here make counting on him in fantasy lineups this week a very…read more

Listed as limited participant

Garoppolo (shoulder) was listed as a limited participant at Tuesday's practice.

Analysis: Though absent for the portion of practice open to the media, Garoppolo apparently did some kind of work. The Patriots haven't officially ruled him out for Thursday against Houston, but it's possible the team is just trying to be deceptive, as Garoppolo's AC joint sprain probably needs more than four days of rest. However, the team still hasn't signed another quarterback, perhaps hinting at optimism Garoppolo will at least be healthy enough to serve as Jacoby Brissett's backup.

Not spotted at Tuesday's practice

Garoppolo (shoulder) was not present during the media portion of Tuesday's practice, Courtney Fallon of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Garoppolo was expected to take part in what is a walkthrough session for the Patriots on Tuesday, but signs point to him not being able to get on the field. It's possible Garoppolo could get some work in behind the scenes Tuesday, but it looks like he will be listed as "DNP" on the injury report for the second day in a row.

Expects to take part in walkthrough

Garoppolo (shoulder) is expected to take part in Tuesday's walkthrough practice, ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The Patriots still hope Garoppolo can start Thursday's game against the Texans, or at least get healthy enough to serve as Jacoby Brissett's backup. The team still hadn't signed another quarterback as of Tuesday morning, and any new addition wouldn't have a chance to practice before Thursday's game. Garoppolo was diagnosed with a sprained AC joint, an injury that quarterbacks are sometimes able to play with, though typically not with just three days rest.

Not expected to start Thursday

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com suggests that "if all goes well," Garoppolo (shoulder) could "actually be the (Patriots') backup" QB on Thursday against the Texans.

Analysis: Rapoport previously reported that Garoppolo is not in line to start the contest, which remains the very likely, but not yet confirmed, outcome. With that in mind, ESPN's Adam Schefter has put forth the notion that while it's "still a long-shot... (the) Patriots have not given up hope yet" that Garoppolo could play Thursday. Meanwhile, ESPN's Mike Reiss notes that the team is not rushing things with regard to any declarations or moves related to the team's Week 3 QB situation. Per Reiss'…read more

Ian Rapoport of NFL.com indicates that Garoppolo (shoulder) won't start Thursday against the Texans, but there is hope that the QB could be available by Week 4.

Analysis: This does not come as a surprise, given the Patriots' short week in advance of Week 3's contest. Rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who was 6-of-9 passing for 92 yards in the second half of Sunday's win over the Dolphins, will likely get the start Thursday, with just three days to prepare, plus it is all but certain that the Patriots will look to sign a veteran quarterback to serve as a temporary backup.

Sustains AC joint sprain Sunday

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, Garoppolo sustained an AC joint sprain in his right throwing shoulder Sunday against the Dolphins. The Patriots hope that Garoppolo will return in Week 4 versus the Bills.

Analysis: Garoppolo was driven into the turf of Gillette Stadium and remained there for some time after the second-quarter hit. While a one-week hiatus is far more optimistic than the six weeks mentioned by Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, the Patriots will likely remain mum with Garoppolo's status until a decision must be made. In any event, Garoppolo will be hard-pressed to take the field with the Patriots' next outing arriving Thursday against the Texans. If status quo reigns this week, Jacoby Brissett…read more

Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald relays that the "early indication" is that Garoppolo's right shoulder injury could take take six weeks to heal.

Analysis: Per the report, Garoppolo is still "undergoing (a) full battery of tests," but it looks very much like Jacoby Brissett will start Thursday's game against the Texans, with the Patriots acutely in need of QB depth, given that Tom Brady (suspension) is not eligible to return to action until Week 5.

Prior to his exit from Sunday's game against the Dolphins due to a right shoulder injury, Garoppolo had completed 18 of 27 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns.

Analysis: Despite exiting the game with 4:02 remaining in the second quarter, Garoppolo put up respectable fantasy stats for those who rolled with him in Week 2 lineups. Of more concern is that the Patriots face a quick turnaround schedule-wise, as they play the Texans at home on Thursday. If Garoppolo is unable to bounce back in time for that contest, Jacoby Brissett -- who took over at QB for the Patriots on Sunday -- would be line for his first NFL start in Week 3.

Won't return to Sunday's game

Garoppolo (shoulder) won't return to Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Analysis: With the Patriots up 24-3 to start the second half and Garoppolo not able to return to the field, Jacoby Brissett is in line to finish out Sunday's game at QB for the Patriots.

Suffers shoulder injury

Garoppolo left Sunday's game against the Dolphins with a shoulder injury.

Analysis: With Garoppolo forced out of Sunday's game, rookie Jacoby Brissett took over at quarterback for the Patriots. Garoppolo's return the contest was deemed questionable by the team.

Garoppolo completed 24 of 33 passes for 264 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 23-21 win over the Cardinals.

Analysis: Garoppolo mostly settled for short gains after producing 10 points on his first two drives, but he did remain accurate throughout the night and kept the ball moving. As a bonus for owners in PPR leagues, he caught one of his own deflected passes for a three-yard gain, also adding 12 yards on four carries, though he did lose a fumble. With Rob Gronkowski (hamstring) unavailable for a road matchup against a tough defense, six Patriots had between four and seven targets, and LeGarrette Blount got…read more

Garoppolo completed nine of 15 passes for 57 yards in Friday's preseason win over the Panthers.

Analysis: Friday's effort was an uneven one for Garoppolo, who started the contest, and it's unclear what the Patriots' plans are for him in the team's preseason finale. In any case, with Tom Brady set to serve a four-game suspension to start the coming season, Garoppolo is on track to start for the Patriots out of the gate in 2016, with his first regular season assignment a Week 1 road tilt against the Cardinals. In subsequent weeks, he'll face the Dolphins, Texans and Bills at home, before Brady is…read more

Garoppolo is expected to start Friday's preseason game against Carolina, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: Tom Brady (suspension) will also get playing time, presumably splitting first-team work with Garoppolo. Although this will likely be Brady's only appearance of the preseason, it won't be surprising if Garoppolo gets more snaps, as the Patriots have made sure to get their third-year quarterback plenty of reps as he prepares for a four-game stint as the starter to open the regular season.

Garoppolo completed 16 of 21 passes for 181 yards and a touchdown in Thursday's preseason game against the Bears.

Analysis: The Patriots clearly want Garoppolo to get a lot of work before Week 1, as he played into the third quarter against Chicago's defensive reserves. He also had plenty of success in the first half, producing two touchdowns and a field goal on five drives, despite having his longest drive spoiled by a Brandon Bolden fumble. Set to start New England's first four regular-season games, Garoppolo has been impressive through two preseason contests, all while playing without Rob Gronkowski, Dion Lewis…read more

Starts preseason in impressive fashion

Garoppolo completed 11 of 18 passes for 168 yards in Thursday's preseason opener against New Orleans

Analysis: Garoppolo played the entire first half to prepare for his upcoming stint as the starter while Tom Brady serves a four-game suspension. The third-year quarterback put up impressive numbers without the help of Dion Lewis (knee), Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman (foot) and Danny Amendola (knee), but Garoppolo did spend much of his time facing the Saints' second-team defense. He should have more of his supporting cast available for the second and third preseason games.

Garoppolo is expected to start Thursday's preseason contest against the Saints, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: In anticipation of Tom Brady's four-game suspension to start the season, Garoppolo will handle snaps with the first-teamers, but the likely absences of Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman (foot), Danny Amendola (knee), and Dion Lewis (knee), among others, won't really mimic the reality of Weeks 1-4. No matter, the grooming of Garoppolo will begin in earnest Thursday.

Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels noted Wednesday that both Garoppolo and Tom Brady -- who is suspended for the first four weeks of the season -- will "get plenty of reps" in training camp, WEEI.com reports.

Analysis: Rookie Jacoby Brissett will also see his share of reps, but NFL.com relays that coach Bill Belichick has made it clear that the team's priority is to get Garoppolo "ready for the start of the season, the Arizona game" in Week 1. Meanwhile Belichick reiterated Wednesday what has been assumed; "Tom (Brady) will return as the starting quarterback when he comes back, but in the meantime we can prioritize the first part of our schedule." Thus, barring an injury, Garoppolo is in line to play against…read more

Likely starter for Patriots' first four games

Due to Tom Brady's four-game suspension being enforced by the 2nd U.S. District Court of Appeals, Garoppolo will likely start the Patriots' first four regular season games.

Analysis: Garoppolo will become the team's starter, while 2016 third-round pick Jacoby Brissett will presumably serve as his backup while Brady is out. The third-year pro will gain some valuable NFL starting experience through Brady's absence, and the playing time will give him a certain degree of fantasy value in the first quarter of the campaign. Furthermore, if Garoppolo is able to thrive in the role, his future trade value figures to be enhanced as well.

With Tom Brady's four-game suspension having been reinstated Monday, Garoppolo is currently in line to start the Patriots' first four regular season contests.

Analysis: With Garoppolo the only other QB rostered by the Patriots at this time, look for the team to add QB depth either via free agency or though the upcoming NFL draft. Assuming the latest ruling remains in place, Garoppolo is in a position to gain some valuable NFL starting experience out of the gate, in his third season as a pro. In doing so, Garoppolo should maintain a degree of early-season fantasy utility, while leading the New England offense. Moreover, the 24-year-old signal-caller could…read more