Jimmy Garoppolo Leaves Patriots Game with Shoulder Injury

New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was having an outstanding game before leaving with a shoulder injury

Tom Brady can only return so soon for the New England Patriots. After a strong season debut against the Arizona Cardinals, Jimmy Garoppolo was off to a great start against the Miami Dolphins.

Garoppolo had thrown three touchdowns in the first half before taking a crunching hit by Kiko Alonso.

The Patriots quarterback stayed down clutching his right throwing shoulder, and exited the game in serious pain.

Rookie Jacoby Brissett out of NC State replaced Garoppolo, who was listed as questionable to return. Brissett was the Patriots third round pick this year, and threw 46 touchdowns in his four years between Florida and NC State.

With two games remaining in Tom Brady’s suspension and Garoppolo appearing to have suffered a major injury to his throwing shoulder, the Patriots may have to run with Brissett until week five.

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Veteran backups the Patriots could sign in free agency to be an emergency arm could be Mike Vick, Matt Flynn, T.J. Yates, Jimmy Clausen, Josh Freeman, and Ryan Lindley.

Quarterbacks on opposing teams practice squads that could be options include Matt Barkley, Logan Thomas, and Garrett Grayson.