Report: QB Ryan Mallett will start Patriots' preseason opener Thursday

New England Patriots quarterback Ryan Mallett will start the team's preseason opener against the Washington Redskins on Thursday.

New England Patriots quarterback Ryan Mallett will start the team's preseason opener against the Washington Redskins on Thursday, reports the Boston Herald.

Mallett, a third-round pick of New England in 2011, is entering the final season of his rookie contract, and the Patriots have expressed interest in trading him in the past. According to the report, he's had his best training camp to date this season, completing 64 percent of his passes in full-pads practices this week.

Starting quarterback Tom Bradyhas been even better, completing 60 of 80 passes in team drills this week. Brady has sat out just three preseason openers in 12 seasons since taking over as starter.

The Redskins and Patriots have held joint practices this week as part of preparation for their preseason game.

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- Ben Estes