New England Patriots vs. New Orleans Saints: TV Channel, Start Time, Injury News For 2015 NFL Game

Tom Brady Jimmy Garappolo — Tom Brady and Jimmy Garappolo work out during organized team activities at Gillette Stadium. Getty

After practicing against each other this week, the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints will face each other in an exhibition game. The Patriots will visit the Saints in Week 2 of the 2015 NFL preseason on Thursday night.

New England lost their preseason opener to the Green Bay Packers, 22-11. New Orleans is 0-1 this preseason, as well, falling to the Baltimore Ravens by a field goal.

Injury News

The Patriots will be without a lot of their regular starters on Saturday. Wide receivers Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell, Aaron Dobson, and Brian Tyms are all working their way back from injuries and are expected to miss the game against New Orleans. Tight ends Scott Chandler and Jake Bequette will be out, as well as offensive lineman Bryan Stork.

New Orleans’ secondary is banged up heading into Saturday’s game. Safety Jairus Byrd hopes to be back on the field by the end of the preseason, but his knee injury is expected to keep him sidelined against New England. Safety Kenny Vaccaro and cornerbacks Keenan Lewis, Brandon Browner and Delvin Breaux are also battling injuries that aren’t considered to be serious, but they could all sit in Week 2.

Players to Watch

Tom Brady surprised many by almost playing the entire first quarter last week, meaning he might not see the field at all on Saturday. That will give Jimmy Garappolo extended time against the Saints, as he prepares to start multiple games if Brady’s suspension is upheld in court. The quarterback posted just a 65.8 passer rating in three quarters against the Packers, throwing no touchdowns and one interception.

Saints’ first-round pick Andrus Peat played with the second-team offense in the team’s preseason opener, playing less than two quarters. He could see more time on the field Saturday, as New Orleans looks to provide Drew Brees more protection this year.

Where to Watch

Fans in New Orleans can watch the game on FOX 8, while New England will broadcast the contest locally on CBS 4 in Boston. The game is set to begin at 7:30 p.m. ET.