FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — In some ways, the Patriots’ last preseason game against the New York Giants on Thursday will serve as a sort of going away party for Tom Brady.

Or at least a “see you later.”

Brady’s four-game suspension for his role in “Deflategate” begins Saturday as New England shifts to the regular season. Once it starts, Brady won’t be eligible to rejoin the active roster until Oct. 3. His absence will mark the first regular-season games he’s missed since 2008, when he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in the season opener.

The territory is so unfamiliar for the 39-year-old quarterback that he’s not willing to share specifics about how he plans to spend his time away from the only team he’s played for during his 16-year career.

“In case someone else is in this situation in the future, I don’t want to give away all my tips,” Brady said.

During his suspension, Brady is not allowed to have contact with the Patriots or utilize team facilities.

But NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed in an e-mail to The Associated Press that Brady will be allowed to work with his close friend, personal trainer and health guru Alex Guerrero.

“Well that was nice of them,” Brady cracked.