Pats’ starter at QB a mystery so far
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett were both in uniform as the Patriots went back to the practice field Tuesday.
Which one of them will be at quarterback when New England hosts Buffalo on Sunday remains a mystery at this point.
Garoppolo missed last week’s game against the Texans with a throwing shoulder injury that occurred during the second quarter of New England’s win over the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 18.
In his absence last week, Brissett, a thirdround pick in this year’s draft, successfully led New England (3-0) past the Texans 27-0 in his first career start but sustained an apparent right thumb injury sometime during the second half.
It’s all added more intrigue as the Patriots prepare for their final game before the return of Tom Brady from his four-game “Deflategate” suspension.
Neither Garoppolo nor Brissett were available for interviews Tuesday, but Brissett did briefly acknowledge the high interest surrounding his health as reporters gazed at him while he walked through the locker room prior to practice.
“I’ve never seen so many people looking at my hand,” Brissett said with a chuckle on his way to his locker.
Brissett didn’t have any coverings on his thumb at the time, and he could be seen both texting with the thumb and using it to lace up his cleats. But later at practice, he did have tape on his thumb and wrist as he stretched.
Garoppolo didn’t have any visible braces or bandages on his shoulder in the locker room or once he was on the field.
Coach Bill Belichick deflected questions on the status of his quarterbacks, deferring to the NFL-mandated injury report that will be available for the first time this week Wednesday.
Receiver Danny Amendola of The Woodlands said he was just as clueless about the plan at quarterback as everyone else.
“I don’t know — ask coach,” Amendola said. “That will be up to him.”
Odds and ends
Jaguars left tackle Kelvin Beachum has been cleared from the NFL’s concussion protocol and will practice Wednesday. He is likely to play against AFC South rival Indianapolis in London on Sunday. … The Colts put outside linebacker Trent Cole on injured reserve. … The Bears have signed running back Joique Bell and placed cornerback Kyle Fuller on injured reserve. … The Panthers have signed safety Michael Griffin and defensive tackle Kyle Love to one-year contracts. … Washington put center Kory Lichtensteiger on injured reserve with an injured calf and signed free-agent center John Sullivan. … The Vikings have promoted rookie guard Willie Beavers from the practice squad for depth on an offensive line that’s been dogged by injuries this season. Beavers was drafted by the Vikings in the fourth round this year out of Western Michigan. … The Cardinals have released long snapper Kameron Canaday and safety Marqui Christian.