The New England Patriots may end up with Jacoby Brissett starting at quarterback following reports that erstwhile starter Jimmy Garoppolo is listed as doubtful. The 24-year-old player is nursing an AC joint sprain which he suffered against the Miami Dolphins.
Garoppolo was already filling in for veteran Tom Brady who is serving a four-game suspension tied up to the ‘Deflategate’ scandal. There is no official timetable for his return despite the belief that he may be only out for 1 to 2 weeks, FanSided reported.
With Brady and now Garoppolo out, Brissett gets an unusual chance to strut his wares and hopefully ease the burden that coach Bill Belichick has on his plate. Pundits have already given the Patriots hardly a chance at the Texans, citing the exemplary defense they boast, NFL reported.
With the game against the Texans not looking so good, the best the Patriots can do right now is look ahead. They next face the Buffalo Bills which is the last game before Tom Brady officially returns from suspension.
For Garoppolo, making it to that game against the Bills could be his last chance as a starter. He will likely slide down to backup upon Brady’s return though a lot hinges on his health status. If he is still not good to go, the Patriots may need to consider looking at available free agents to beef up their thinning quarterback line.
That seems evident as early as the Texans game where Belichick will have to make do with Brissett who is obviously unprepared. Backing him up is Julian Edelman who will be New England’s emergency back-up, CBS Sports reported.
Brissett will have to hold fort for at least one game. If he turns out to be a gem, on the table is the possibility of getting the starting quarterback duties against the Bills or even being elevated to backup once Brady returns.
It may be a long shot for Brissett but like any rookie, this is one opportunity he cannot afford to pass. Check out the video below covering the Garoppolo injury and reactions to Brissett starting for the Pats.