Breaking: Ex Patriots Suspended For Two Games

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jimmy Garoppolo, a former quarterback for the New England Patriots, will miss the first two games of the 2024 season because he violated the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy by using a “prescribed medication” without being on the league’s “Therapeutic Use Exemption.” Garoppolo is not expected to appeal the decision.

It’s ironic, given that Garoppolo is unlikely to be where he is now if then-Patriots starting quarterback Tom Brady hadn’t been suspended at the start of the 2016 season as punishment for the “deflategate” controversy.

On October 15, 2023, in Paradise, Nevada, USA, Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) lines up behind center Andre James (68) during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium.Candice Ward/USA TODAY Sports Candice Ward/USA TODAY Sports

After two starts in New England, his career took off. Garoppolo was traded to the San Francisco 49ers during the 2017 season, and despite his first two seasons being cut short due to injuries, he eventually led the Niners to the Super Bowl in 2019.

In the first of two Super Bowl encounters, the Kansas City Chiefs defeated San Francisco despite a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit. That would be the pinnacle of Garoppolo’s six years in San Francisco, as he played only 32 games over the next three seasons due to injuries, with his foot injury in 2022 eventually leading to Brock Purdy’s breakthrough.

Following Purdy’s successful season in San Francisco, Garoppolo joined with the Las Vegas Raiders last summer to reunite with former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. However, as has been the case throughout his career, injuries plagued Garoppolo.

The 32-year-old played only seven games for the Raiders last season, leading them to a 3-3 record in six starts while throwing for 1,205 yards, seven touchdowns, and nine interceptions.

Now, when the Raiders dismissed both McDaniel and general manager Dave Ziegler in midseason, replacing them with Antonio Pierce and Tom Telesco, Garoppolo is anticipated to be cut and return to free agency.