http://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/23/sports/football/jacoby-brissett-new-engalnd-patriots-quarterback.html 2016-09-22 18:44:17 Who Is Jacoby Brissett? Maybe the Patriots’ Starting Quarterback With Tom Brady suspended and Jimmy Garoppolo hurt, the Patriots may start a rookie third-stringer against the Texans on Thursday night. === The Then Garoppolo hurt his throwing shoulder in the second quarter of Sunday’s victory over the Miami Dolphins. On Thursday night against the Brissett was New England selected Brissett in the third round of April’s draft. He was the fifth quarterback taken, but overshadowed by the attention for Jared Goff and Carson Wentz, the top two picks over all. Brissett started his college career at Florida, but after losing a fight for the starting job, he transferred to North Carolina State, leading the Wolfpack to records of 8-5 and 7-6. While he was not among the national statistical leaders at quarterback, Should Brissett get the call Thursday night, he would be the first African-American to start at quarterback for the Patriots. The Giants are the only other N.F.L. team never to have started a black quarterback, Edelman has reportedly been prepping to fill in if needed as backup. A quarterback at Kent State, he became a receiver in the pros. He is known for his versatility: He also punted in college and has filled in at defensive back for the Patriots. Edelman has one N.F.L. pass: a 51-yard touchdown strike to Danny Amendola in the playoffs two seasons ago against the Baltimore Ravens. Quarterback problems are something new for the Patriots. Brady has started all 16 games for 13 of the last 14 seasons. The sole exception was 2008, when he missed all but one game with a torn anterior cruciate ligament and was replaced by Matt Cassel. That was also the only season since 2002 that they missed the playoffs. Thursday’s game will not be an easy one for the Patriots. The Texans defense ranked third in the league in yards allowed last year and ranks third again so far this season. The Patriots are hoping for the return of tight end Rob Gronkowski, who is listed as questionable. Oddsmakers list the Texans as 1-point favorites. If Brissett does start, the safest bet might be to hand the ball off to LeGarrette Blount. After 22 rushes in Week 1, he tied his career high with 29 in Week 2, and may break 30 Thursday. Brady is 39. Garoppolo’s expected four-game cameo was viewed as an audition for the eventual full-time starting role. Now Brissett may be getting an early look as well.