Ian Rapoport of NFL.com suggests that "if all goes well," Garoppolo (shoulder) could "actually be the (Patriots') backup" QB on Thursday against the Texans.
Rapoport previously reported that Garoppolo is not in line to start the contest, which remains the very likely, but not yet confirmed, outcome. With that in mind, ESPN's Adam Schefter has put forth the notion that while it's "still a long-shot... (the) Patriots have not given up hope yet" that Garoppolo could play Thursday. Meanwhile, ESPN's Mike Reiss notes that the team is not rushing things with regard to any declarations or moves related to the team's Week 3 QB situation. Per Reiss' report, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels indicated that at this stage, the team is "not sure of circumstances yet." For now, it continues to be widely assumed that Jacoby Brissett is in line to be the Patriots' starting QB on Thursday.