The New England Patriots may return both of their backup quarterbacks for the final game without Tom Brady.
According to Ed Werder of ESPN, the Patriots are “hopeful” that both Jimmy Garoppolo (shoulder) and Jacoby Brissett (thumb) will be healthy enough to play in Week 4 against the Buffalo Bills.
#Patriots hopeful that both Jimmy Garappolo and Jacoby Brissett will be healthy enough to play vs #Bills
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) September 27, 2016
Garoppolo, who started New England’s first two games of the season, hurt his shoulder late in the first half against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. He suffered a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder and missed the Patriots’ Week 3 win over the Houston Texans.
Brissett, a third-round pick who started New England’s 27-0 win over Houston, suffered a sprained thumb.
The Patriots only need to survive one more week at quarterback before Brady returns from his four-game suspension. Having Garoppolo healthy enough to start against the Bills represents a best case scenario, especially considering how well he played during his first six quarters of the 2016 season. The third-year quarterback completed over 70 percent of his passes, with four touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Brissett rushed for a touchdown and didn’t have a turnover during his Week 3 start.
Last week, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Garoppolo had “a chance to be ready” for Week 4. It appears he has made more progress in his recovery.
The Patriots still haven’t signed another quarterback, which is another good sign for both Garoppolo and Brissett being ready to play on Sunday.
