FOXBORO, Mass. — If the New England Patriots go into their Week 3 matchup against the Houston Texans with only one healthy quarterback in rookie Jacoby Brissett, it seems Julian Edelman, while playing wide receiver, actually will be their emergency signal-caller.
Edelman and coach Bill Belichick wouldn’t confirm that, but former Patriots executive Michael Lombardi tweeted it would be the receiver’s role.
Starter Jimmy Garoppolo’s status for the Week 3 game currently is up in the air after he injured his shoulder Sunday. Tom Brady is midway through a four-game Deflategate suspension.
So what could Edelman do for the Patriots while under center? Texans coach Bill O’Brien, a former Patriots offensive coordinator, shared some insight.
“I think we have to be ready for their roster,” O’Brien said. “I think we have to understand the skill sets of the players on their roster. Obviously with Julian, I was there when they drafted him. (He) was a shotgun, Wildcat quarterback at Kent State and really good at it. I can remember probably doing some of those things with him over the couple years I was with him in practice there. I know he can do that.
“It’s (him)Â and other guys. There are other guys — (Danny) Amendola can throw the ball. We’re trying to do the best we can to be prepared for their roster.”
Tight end AJ Derby, who also played quarterback in college, and wide receiver Chris Hogan, throwing left-handed, warmed up before Tuesday’s walk-through session, indicating they would be the Patriots’ scout-team quarterbacks.
Thumbnail photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
