Report: Patriots 'extensively' preparing Julian Edelman as backup QB against Texans
Do-everything Patriots wideout and former Kent State University quarterback Julian Edelman just might appear in the Patriots-Texans game on Thursday as a quarterback.
Jimmy Garoppolo's shoulder injury against the Dolphins on Sunday has put New England in a bind with only three days to prepare for the visiting Texans. Rookie QB Jacoby Brissett relieved Garoppolo and led a touchdown drive after the half but also took two sacks on 11 dropbacks. So, what now? Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport:
The #Patriots have done extensive preparation over the past few days to get WR Julian Edelman ready as the backup QB. It may actually happen
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 21, 2016
The ever-secretive Patriots have not tipped their hand. They also have not signed another quarterback after bringing in T.J. Yates and Sean Renfree for workouts.
That may be an indication that Garoppolo is trending towards playing or is at least well enough to suit up and relieve Brissett if necessary. Maybe Garoppolo is just fine and this is just some gamesmanship. Meanwhile, Texans head coach and former Patriots coach/offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien is familiar with Edelman and knows to be prepared for anything.
If Edelman does throw a pass on Thursday, it won't be his first in the NFL; his first and only attempt came in the Patriots-Ravens Division Round game in 2015 when Edelman caught a swing pass from Brady and then heaved a 51-yard touchdown to Danny Amendola who had gotten way behind the Ravens' coverage on the trick play.