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Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett has a tear in a thumb ligament and may need surgery
(Maddie Meyer/Getty)
New England Patriots third-string quarterback Jacoby Brissett reportedly tore a ligament in his right thumb during the second half against the Texans on Thursday night and may need surgery, Mike Petraglia of New England's WEEI reported Friday.
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport described the injury as a "sprain" (technically a minor tear) and noted that the injury is "not deemed to be a serious one."
Brissett started against the Texans after Jimmy Garoppolo went down in Week 2 against the Dolphins. Garoppolo, of course, was filling in for Tom Brady during his four-game suspension for Deflategate.
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
Rapoport added that the Patriots will likely sign a free agent quarterback:
#Patriots QB Jacoby Brissett did suffer a thumb sprain, source said. Those involved are weighing his options. Expect them to add a QB
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2016
The Patriots face Rex Ryan and Bills one week from Sunday in the final game before Brady's return. Unless Garoppolo is healthy enough to start, the Patriots will have no choice but to start whichever QB they end up signing. The alternative is to start wide receiver Julian Edelman at quarterback.
Garoppolo was inactive on Thursday night. Edelman last played quarterback eight years ago, in college at Kent State, and served as the backup on Thursday.
Against the Texans on Thursday, Brissett completed 11 of 19 passes for 103 yards. He added 48 yards rushing, and a touchdown.
The Patriots are 3-0.
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