New England Patriots rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett could miss several weeks with a torn right thumb ligament suffered in Thursday night's 27-0 win over the Houston Texans.
WEEI radio in Boston reported Brissett, a third-round pick making his first career start because of Jimmy Garoppolo's shoulder injury, would require surgery. The timetable for his return makes it possible the Patriots would place Brissett, awarded Thursday's game ball by head coach Bill Belichick, will be moved to injured reserve.
Starting quarterback Tom Brady is serving a four-game suspension and is eligible to return in Week 5 against the Cleveland Browns.
The status of Garoppolo, who was inactive in Week 3 after winning his first two NFL starts, will determine the course of action the Patriots take for Week 4 against the Buffalo Bills.
Brissett was the only active quarterback on the roster Thursday. Wide receiver Julian Edelman, a quarterback in college at Kent State, was prepped to fill in if Brissett went down.
But taking the same course with Garoppolo at less than 100 percent -- he reportedly suffered a sprained AC joint in his right, throwing shoulder -- could be an even bolder decision.
New England reportedly worked out former Texans quarterback T.J. Yates and former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Sean Renfree last week.
