New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is hopeful that quarterback Tom Brady will be on the field in week one of the 2015 season.
Brady was suspended for four matches by the NFL for being generally aware that members of the Patriots' equipment staff had deflated footballs in their win over the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC championship game.
However, the 37-year-old has appealed his ban, which will be heard by commissioner Roger Goodell on June 23, in the hope that he will be able to feature in the first four games of the campaign.
Kraft told reporters: "We're part of a system and we'll follow the rules, and it's our hope that opening game here, we'll have the privilege of having everyone who deserves to be on the field starting that game.
"I know that's what our fans want and that's what we want."
The Patriots face the Pittsburgh Steelers in their season opener on September 10 at Gillette Stadium.
Simon Sinclair
