According to Ed Werder of ESPN, the New England Patriots are hopeful that quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (shoulder) will be able to play in their week four match-up against the Buffalo Bills at home:

#Patriots hopeful that both Jimmy Garappolo and Jacoby Brissett will be healthy enough to play vs #Bills

— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) September 27, 2016

Garoppolo nearly played last Thursday night, but Jacoby Brissett started in his place while Garoppolo was active as the back-up quarterback in an emergency situation. Garoppolo has made substantial progress in his recovery from a sprained AC joint in his shoulder.

New England will only need Garoppolo or Brissett to start one more game this week before Tom Brady makes his return from suspension to take on the Cleveland Browns in week five.

In the two games he has played, Garoppolo has looked impressive. The 24-year-old quarterback has completed 71.2% of his passes, and thrown for 496 yards and 4 touchdowns to post a 119 quarterback rating.

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