Brady Surprisingly Will Play Vs Packers

Surprising news prior to the start of Thursday night's Patriots preseason opener vs. the Green Bay Packers, as the story broke Thursday afternoon that quarterback Tom Brady WILL play against the Pack.

Brady likely won't start, and Jimmy Garappolo will see a majority of the action, but that doesn't temper the excitement as No. 12 took the field for pre-game warm-ups.

He also posted on his Facebook page that his "helmet is on," indicating he will hit the field at some point.

It's surprising Brady will play, seeing as he missed practice time on Tuesday and Wednesday, because of Wednesday's visit with Federal Judge Richard Berman in the hopes of reaching a settlement with the NFL to end the Deflategate saga. Reports on Thursday said Brady has been given permission from Berman to miss next week's hearing, allowing him to travel to New Orleans with the Patriots to practice with the Saints and play in next week's preseason game against them.

EDIT (7:47 p.m.): Brady did indeed start, coming out to a standing ovation at Gillette Stadium.