New England Patriots: Rob Gronkowski may play, Julien Edelman emergency backup QB

New England Patriots rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett is expected to receive his first NFL start on Thursday night against the visiting Houston Texans, according to multiple reports.

The third-round selection will get the nod against the Texans (2-0) four days after filling in for Jimmy Garoppolo, who sustained a sprained AC joint in his throwing shoulder during the Patriots' 31-24 win over the Miami Dolphins. Brissett, 22, completed 6 of 9 passes for 92 yards last week for New England (2-0).

Brissett likely will have Rob Gronkowski by his side as the mammoth tight end is expected to make his season debut after being sidelined by a hamstring injury.

"We'll see," Gronkowski said on Wednesday. "It will definitely be a coach's decision, a trainer's decision. We'll all come together.

"I'm just doing everything I can right now to be as healthy as I can be. I'm improving every single day. Basically, day by day right now. ... Obviously, you just don't wake up and you're 100 percent, but I'm satisfied with the improvements."

Garoppolo is expected to be active and serve as Brissett's backup, the NFL Network reported on Thursday, citing a source. Garoppolo assumed temporary control of the club with veteran Tom Brady serving a four-game suspension for his role in Deflategate.

Julian Edelman could still serve as an emergency option behind center. The veteran wideout played quarterback at Kent State prior to being selected in the seventh round of the 2009 draft.