Jacoby Brissett to start for Patriots Sunday vs. Bills, Jimmy Garoppolo inactive

The Patriots will turn to Jacoby Brissett in their final game before the return of Tom Brady.

Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is inactive for Sunday’s game against the Bills, meaning rookie Jacoby Brissett will his second straight start. 

ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported the news.

Garoppolo injured his shoulder in Week 2 and missed last Thursday’s game against the Texans. Brissett is the only active quarterback, leaving wide receiver and former college quarterback Julian Edelman as the backup. 

Brissett, a third-round pick from NC State, made his first NFL start against Houston, completing 11 of 19 passes for 103 yards. He also had 48 rushing yards and a touchdown on eight carries, as New England won 27–0. 

Brissett injured his thumb in the game and was listed on the injury report as questionable. 

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported earlier Sunday that Garoppolo “needed a shot” to practice during the week and was limited to 100 throws per day, significantly less than the typical 200 throws he would make on gameday. 

Tom Brady is eligible to return next week from a four-game suspension.