Report: Tom Brady could get significant playing time in second preseason game

Tom Brady was held out of the New England Patriots’ preseason opener and missed some practice time last week with a sore back, but it does not sound like the injury is anything serious.

According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots plan to start Brady in Thursday night’s preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Not only that, but the 41-year-old could play for several series.

I'm told the initial plan is for Tom Brady to play in tonight's preseason game, and it wouldn't be a surprise if it's fairly deep into the first half. These things are always subject to change, but that's where things stand at this time.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 16, 2018

Brady said on his weekly appearance with WEEI’s “Kirk & Callahan Show” this week that he is “doing really well” and “absolutely” plans to play against the Eagles. It’s worth noting that Brady did not play in New England’s preseason opener in 2017 or 2016, so he may not have played against the Redskins last week even without the back injury.

The Patriots recently made some changes to Brady’s contract that should have the five-time Super Bowl champion plenty motivated heading into his 19th NFL season. With Julian Edelman suspended and receivers like Danny Amendola and Brandin Cooks no longer in the picture, preseason reps could be important.