AP

Tom Brady will sit out the Patriots’ preseason game against the Eagles tonight.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick has decided to sit Brady and a number of other starters, the Boston Herald reports. Belichick has generally been conservative with Brady in the preseason, so the decision isn’t a big surprise.

The Patriots will fly to Tampa tomorrow and practice with the Buccaneers this week before playing against them in their third game of the preseason on Friday night. Brady and most starters will likely be back on the field for that game and then sit out the preseason finale on Wednesday, August 29.

Brian Hoyer is expected to get the start at quarterback for the Patriots, with Ryan Mallett seeing plenty of playing time as well.