While Tom Brady wants to continue playing until he's 45, the timeline of how much longer Bill Belichick will remain head coach of the New England Patriots is less certain.

Belichick's friends give him two or three more years, which would be long enough to ensure his two sons, Stephen and Brian, are secure in their jobs as Patriots' assistants.

Belichick even told friends for the past year that he wanted to coach Garoppolo as a starter and he was confident he could win a Super Bowl with him.

The Patriots traded Garoppolo to the 49ers before the deadline, which was a move that surprised people close to Belichick, Tom Brady and Garoppolo.

The San Francisco 49ers are expected to give Jimmy Garoppolo some time before they make him their starting quarterback.

The 49ers acquired Garoppolo from the New England Patriots on Monday for a second-round draft pick.

San Francisco is 0-8 and will face the Arizona Cardinals this week. They have a bye in Week 11, which could mean we won't see Garoppolo behind center until Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks.

The San Francisco 49ers have acquired Jimmy Garoppolo from the New England Patriots for a second round draft pick.

The 49ers owned two second round draft picks in 2018 and traded their own to the Patriots. The pick will be one of the first of the second round.

Garoppolo is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after the season.

The Patriots have traded both Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett this season as they appear confident Tom Brady has several seasons remaining.

Brady said he hoped Garoppolo will make a good starting quarterback for the 49ers.

"He's put in all the effort," Brady said. "I've watched him for 3½ years and really enjoyed working with him. Hopefully he goes on and does a great job."

The New England Patriots have lost Dont'a Hightower for the season with a torn pec.

Hightower suffered the injury in the Patriots' win last week over the Falcons.

Hightower is considered the leader of the Patriots' defense.

Tom Brady didn't take part in the open portion of Tuesday's practice and the New England Patriots have yet to address any injury. They aren't required to release a report until Wednesday.

According to a report, Brady was absent due to testing on his left shoulder. He underwent an MRI on his non-throwing shoulder, which revealed no serious injury.

Brady is reportedly dealing with a sprained AC joint, which he originally suffered in Week 4 and aggravated last Thursday night.

At the quarter pole of the season, there are some different names at the top of the list of the NFL's most efficient passers.

Here are the leaders in passer rating among quarterbacks that have thrown at least 30 passes.

1. Sam Bradford, Vikings - 143.0

2. Alex Smith, Chiefs - 124.2

3. Tom Brady, Patriots - 116.6

4. Jared Goff, Rams - 112.2

5. Drew Brees, Saints - 108.3

6. Kirk Cousins, Redskins - 107.6

7. Derek Carr, Raiders - 101.2

8. Tyrod Taylor, Bills - 100.7

9. Aaron Rodgers, Packers - 100.7

10. Matthew Stafford, Lions - 95.9