Team news: New England Patriots | Page 53

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.

There was little question this weekend the Chargers would promote tight end Asante Cleveland from their practice squad, needing help at the position with Antonio Gates expected to be sidelined Sunday against the Colts.

Related players: Hunter Henry

Gates is listed as doubtful for Sunday against the Colts and this move would certainly indicate his hamstring will keep him from playing. Hunter Henry is poised for a large workload without Gates in the lineup.

Source confirms torn right thumb ligament for Jacoby Brissett. Suffered injury in 2nd half Thursday. Faces likely surgery for stabilization.

There's no telling who will start for the Patriots at QB next week. At 3-0, they can probably afford to forfeit the game and wait for Tom Brady's return in Week 5.