Patriots OC: Team has not made decision on QB plans after Garoppolo injury
The status of New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will be determined on Monday as the team tries to figure out if the third-year quarterback will be able to play in Thursday night's game against the Houston Texans.
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports that Jimmy Garoppolo won’t start against the Texans, but that the team is hopeful for his return against the Buffalo Bills on Oct. 2.
Jeff Howe of the Boston Heraldreported the team feared Garoppolo could miss as many as six weeks with the injury, but tests revealed it wasn't as severe as originally thought.
Garoppolo injured his throwing shoulder during the first half of Sunday’s 34–27 victory over the Miami Dolphins and did not return. He completed 18 of 27 passes for 234 yards and three touchdowns before he was injured.
"I’m not sure exactly what the situation is going to be, I think a lot of that will be determined later today relative to Jimmy’s whole situation and what it’s going to be. I’m sure if he can’t play or back up, then we’ll be going through that process today," Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said on WEEI’s Kirk and Callahan Show. "I haven’t heard anything yet this morning exactly what that’s going to be, but I’m sure we’ll be on that quick."
Rookie Jacoby Brissett, a third-round pick from North Carolina State, replaced Garoppolo and completed six of nine passes for 92 yards. He also ran four times for 12 yards.
Garoppolo was driven to the turf by Miami linebacker Kiko Alonso and reportedly has a sprained acromioclavicular (AC) joint in his right shoulder. X-rays on Garoppolo's shoulder were negative.
Garoppolo and Brissett are the only active quarterbacks on the roster as the team awaits Tom Brady's return from a four-game suspension.
- Scooby Axson
