Entering the New England Patriots’ week four matchup against the division rival AFC East, the major question on everyone’s mind was who would start the final game of Tom Brady’s suspension at quarterback. While today’s final injury report did not provide us with a definite answer, it shows that both Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett are apparently recovering well from their respective injuries.
Therefore, via the Patriots’ injury report, both are listed as ‘questionable’ to play in Sunday’s game - two of eight players to have been awarded this distinction.
QB Jacoby Brissett (Thumb)
OT Marcus Cannon (Calf)
OG Jonathan Cooper (Foot)
LB Jonathan Freeny (Shoulder)
QB Jimmy Garoppolo (Shoulder)
TE Rob Gronkowski (Hamstring)
LB Dont’a Hightower (Knee)
CB Eric Rowe (Ankle)
Last week, Garoppolo was listed as ‘doubtful’ two days prior to the game. Now, 12 days removed from spreading the AC joint in his right shoulder, the third-year signal caller’s status has improved. Of course, this does not mean that he will be ready to start - or even that he will even be active - but it is an encouraging sign seeing him on the same level as players expected to be active (Gronkowski, Brissett).
Overall, New England’s injury report does not include any real surprises. While the list of questionable players is rather long, the team has not been forced to rule anyone out - as opposed to the Bills, who will miss wide receivers Sammy Watkins and Greg Salas, offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandijo, and offensive lineman Patrick Lewis.