Dealing with a shoulder injury that kept him out of last week’s game against the Houston Texans, it’s now being reported that Jimmy Garoppolo will be inactive Sunday.
Patriots QB Jimmy Garappolo will be inactive today, source tells ESPN. https://t.co/Qc3OjdxyAE
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 2, 2016
This definitely puts the New England Patriots behind the proverbial eight-ball as they prepare for a divisional game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
With Garoppolo sidelined and Tom Brady serving the final game of his suspension, rookie mid-round pick Jacoby Brissett will get the start.
Jacoby Brissett to start, league source tells ESPN. https://t.co/zBNr9QhnAV
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 2, 2016
Brissett performed pretty well in his first career start last week. He completed 11-of-19 passes for 103 yards without an interception. The rookie also added 48 yards and a score on the ground.
This is unfortunate news for Garoppolo, as Sunday offered him the opportunity to start for the final time this season. Barring an injury to Brady, he will be under center for the Patriots moving forward this season.
It also makes things rather interesting heading into Sunday’s game. With Garoppolo sidelined, receiver Julian Edelman will act as New England’s backup quarterback. Should something happen to Brissettt, Edelman will have to take snaps under center.
It’s not a far-fetched possibility, especially considering Brissett himself is dealing with a sprained thumb in his throwing hand.