Jimmy Garoppolo's season will live to see another day.
The New England Patriots have learned that the third-year quarterback has an AC joint sprain and not something more severe like a broken collarbone, according to CSN New England.
He reportedly won't be availble for Thursday's game against the Texans but could return for the Oct. 2, Week 4 home game against the Buffalo Bills.
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Tom Brady returns from his four-game suspension the following week, Oct 9 at Cleveland.
When Garoppolo is back depends largely on his pain tolerance and how inflamed the area is, CSN reports. If he is not available, that means rookie Jacoby Brissett is likely the only alternative with such a fast turnaround before the Patriots play again.
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Brissett, handed the ball with a 24-0 lead over the Dolphins, held on to a 31-24 victory. He completed 6 of 9 passes for 92 yards and rushed four times for 12 yards.