Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo is still in pain and does not yet have full mobility in his throwing shoulder.

Related players: Jacoby Brissett

If true, it's hard to imagine that he'll be able to play in a few days considering he's still in pain. Jacoby Brissett (thumb) seems to be a better bet to play, though Adam Schefter reported that they both have a chance to be active for Sunday's game.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Patriots are "all but certain" that their two quarterbacks, Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett, will be healthy enough to play against the Bills on Sunday.

Both players practiced according to the team's website, the story said. Garoppolo figures to be the starter if in fact both are ready to play. But, one never knows with the Patriots. The team is hoping this is the last week of QB issues as Tom Brady returns from suspension for Week 5.

According to the New England Sports Network, the Patriots two injured quarterbacks were both at practice on Tuesday.

The report said that both Jimmy Garoppolo and rookie Jacoby Brissett were at practice. Coming off a Thursday night game the Patriots are getting a one day head start on their practice week. Garoppolo, who is dealing with a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder and Brissett, who sustained a thumb injury starting in place of Garoppolo last week, both were on the practice field.

Brissett had his injured thumb wrapped in tape as well as his wrist according to NESN. It said that Garoppolo was also on the practice field, but during the media viewing portion of practice neither quarterback attempted a pass. ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported that when seen in the locker room that Garoppolo did not have his injured shoulder in a sling of any kind.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Patriots currently have no plans to bring in QB T.J. Yates.

As it currently stands, the availability of the Patriots' quarterbacks are all very much in question. Tom Brady is suspended for one more week. Jimmy Garoppolo is coming back from an AC joint sprain (timetable unclear). Jacoby Brissett reportedly sustained a thumb injury on his throwing hand during last week's game (though it looks like it doesn't require surgery).

This combination of factors has lead to the reasonable conclusion that the Patriots would likely be in the market for the services of a fill-in quarterback if either (or both) non-suspended QBs aren't able to play Sunday.

At least for the time being, it seems that the team is confident that either Garoppolo or Brissett is in good enough shape to take the job in Week 4. At 3-0, there probably isn't a lot of reason for the Pats to panic and make a big move. The story said Yates would be a leading candidate.

Patriots Inactives

QB Jimmy Garoppolo
G Jonathan Cooper
RB DJ Foster
OL LaAdrian Waddle
DB Eric Rowe
TE AJ Derby
LB Dont'a Hightower

Gronkowski may be on a snap count tonight, but he wouldn't be active if the team didn't plan to use him in high yield situations.

Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a sprained AC joint and isn't expected to play against the Texans, according to sources.

Initially, the team feared Garoppolo's injury would take six weeks to recover, but the tests revealed the damage wasn't as severe as they originally projected.

Sprained AC joints are fairly common, and players can usually return within 1-2 weeks. When the swelling subsides, it's all about treatment and pain management, the story said. Unfortunately for the Patriots, a short week comes at a bad time as they play this Thursday night. Rookie Jacoby Brissett will get the start. Garoppolo is aiming to get back for Week 4 before the return of Tom Brady Week 5.

Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo (shoulder) has been downgraded to out.

Jacoby Brissett will take over for the rest of the game. The Pats are up big and it's possible this played a role in the team's decision to keep Garoppolo out of the game. Keep in mind Tom Brady still has two more games on his suspension so if Garoppolo isn't able to play Brissett could be looking at a possible start.