Jacoby Brissett likely to undergo surgery for torn thumb ligament
The New England Patriots may have to turn to yet another starting quarterback after Jacoby Brissett suffered a thumb injury.
Following a strong outing in his first career start, the Patriots may be without quarterback Jacoby Brissett for next week’s game against the Buffalo Bills.
According to Mike Petraglia of WEEI, Brissett suffered a torn thumb ligament in the second half of Thursday’s win over the Houston Texans and will likely need surgery for stabilization. There is no timetable for the injury at the moment, but it seems doubtful Brissett would be able to play next Sunday before Tom Brady returns from suspension in Week 5.
Source confirms torn right thumb ligament for Jacoby Brissett. Suffered injury in 2nd half Thursday. Faces likely surgery for stabilization.
— Mike Petraglia (@Trags) September 23, 2016
The rookie from NC State completed 11 of 19 passes for 103 yards and added 48 yards and a touchdown on the ground in New England’s impressive 27-0 win over the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football. While Brissett’s play didn’t appear to get any worse in the second half, trainers were seen working on his hand on the sideline during the game.
New England will hope Jimmy Garoppolo is ready to return from a Grade 2 AC joint sprain in time for its game against the Bills on Oct. 2. Garoppolo started the first two games of the year in Brady’s absence and played well, but was knocked out early with the injury in Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins.
Quarterbacks have been able to play through AC joint sprains before, although it certainly could impact Garoppolo’s ability to throw the ball downfield. If Garoppolo can’t go, things could get really interesting for the Patriots.
The most logical option on the current roster to take Brissett’s place would be wide reciever Julian Edelman, who played quarterback in college at Kent State. New England could also sign Matt Flynn or Ryan Lindley as an emergency option.
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Bill Belichick has proven he can get any quarterback ready to win, but this situation will test even his abilities. On the other side, a loss to an Edelman or Flynn-led Patriots team could be the final act for Rex Ryan in Buffalo.