(Reuters) - The New England Patriots drafted quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo last year with an eye on readying for life without Tom Brady, but the reigning Super Bowl champions never anticipated that time would come so soon.
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Brady, 37, was suspended four games by the National Football League on Monday for his role in Deflategate and if his appeal is unsuccessful, Garoppolo will likely be under center when New England open their regular season on Sept. 10.
Garoppolo, taken 62nd overall by New England, completed 70.4 percent of his 27 pass attempts for 182 yards and a touchdown in relief of Brady last season and did not take a snap during the team's playoff run.