Patriots quarterback Jarrett Stidham reportedly undergoes successful back surgery

The injury that sent New England Patriots quarterback Jarrett Stidham to physically unable to perform is expected to sideline him into the regular season.

The third-year pro reportedly underwent successful back surgery as training camp opened in Foxborough on Wednesday, sources told NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport on Friday.

Stidham’s timetable to return is roughly 12 weeks, according to Rapoport, which leaves the calendar circled for late October. In his absence, the Patriots recently claimed Jake Dolegala off waivers from the Green Bay Packers, bringing the available quarterback depth chart to four alongside Cam Newton, Brian Hoyer and rookie Mac Jones.

“Shout out to him,” Newton said of Stidham during his press conference after New England’s third practice of camp. “Hopefully everything went good for him.”

Selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL draft, Stidham has appeared in eight career games with New England. Yet to make his first start under center, the product of Baylor and Auburn has gone 24-of-48 passing over that span for 270 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions.

Jeff Howe of The Athletic reported earlier in the week that Stidham was experiencing pain both in his right shoulder and back while throwing the football.

Stidham’s contract with the Patriots runs through 2022. He will turn 25 in August.