Sports

Patriots announce preseason opponents

FOXBORO — The Patriots announced which four teams they'll be playing during the 2017 preseason. Specific dates and times for the matchups will be announced at a later date.

The preseason opens during the week of August 7 when the Patriots host the Jaguars. The game will be played sometime between August 10-14.

New England will travel to Houston to face Texans in Week Two, the week of August 14, between August 17-21, and reports today suggest the two squads are working on the details of holding joint practices in West Virginia, where the Patriots worked out with the Saints in 2015.

The third preseason game will be played in Detroit against the Lions during the week of August 21.

The final preseason will likely be played on Thursday, August 31 against the Giants at Foxboro Stadium. It marks the 13th consecutive year the Patriots and Giants have squared off in the preseason.

As Super Bowl champions, the Patriots are expected to open the season on Thursday, September 7 at Gillette Stadium, with a pregame ceremony planned to unveil the latest championship banner.