Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett has a torn right thumb ligament that may require surgery, WEEI’s Mike Petraglia reports.

Brissett, the team’s third-string signal caller, started Thursday’s 27–0 win over the Houston Texans after a shoulder injury the previous week sidelined Jimmy Garoppolo, who was starting in place of the suspended Tom Brady. The rookie was seen getting his thumb worked on during the second half of Thursday's game but never missed a play.

The 23-year-old completed 11 of 19 passes for 103 yards, and rushed eight times for 48 more and a touchdown.

It’s unclear who will get the start in Week 4; Garoppolo was inactive Thursday night and receiver Julian Edelman was the emergency backup. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the team believes Garoppolo will be ready​. Brady returns in Week 5.

Contrary to Petraglia’s report, ESPN’s Dianna Russini reports that thumb is sprained, and that Brissett will be “fine.”

The Patriots are 3-0 thus far without Brady and have a home game against the Buffalo Bills on Oct. 2. In addition to the two injured backup quarterbacks, New England has also been hampered by a hamstring injury to star tight end Rob Gronkowski. He missed the first two games and played sparingly Thursday, ending the night without a reception.

– Kenny Ducey