National Football League

Pats' QB for Week 4 still up in the air

Published Sep. 25, 2016 3:43 p.m. ET

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The New England Patriots could be headed into Week 4 with both of their available quarterbacks injured.

But coach Bill Belichick doesn't seem fazed.

He deferred comment Sunday on the status of both Week 3 starter Jacoby Brissett and Jimmy Garoppolo until later in the week, as the Patriots prepare to host the Buffalo Bills next Sunday.

''Well we'll give our injury report on Wednesday as we always do, as we're required to do,'' Belichick said during a conference call with reporters.

''And based on where things are at that point, that will be represented in the report.''

The Patriots are 3-0 after defeating the Houston Texans 27-0 on Thursday. Brissett, a rookie who was a third-round pick (91st overall) in the draft, started in place of the injured Garoppolo. He was 11 for 19 for 103 yards in his first NFL start. He also rushed eight times for 48 yards and a touchdown.

But Brissett was seen having the thumb on his throwing hand worked on during the third quarter.

The Patriots have one more game until Tom Brady will return from his four-game suspension related to ''Deflategate''. Brady can return Oct. 9 against the Cleveland Browns.

Garoppolo injured his throwing shoulder in the second quarter of the Patriots' Week 2 victory over the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 18. Garoppolo was hit by Dolphins linebacker Kiko Alonso.

Brissett finished that 31-24 win with wide receiver Julian Edelman as the emergency quarterback. Brissett went 6 for 9 for 92 yards and ran for 12 yards in relief of Garoppolo.

Garoppolo was listed as doubtful and then was inactive for the Week 3 game against the Texans. In two games this season, Garoppolo was 42 for 59 for 496 yards and four touchdowns.

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AP NFL websites: http://pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP-NFL

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