FOXBORO, MASS. (WHDH) - Bill Belichick may have been deflecting when he was pressed on Wednesday about the status of Jimmy Garoppolo and his injured right shoulder.
“I coach the team,” he said at Wednesday’s press conference. “Medical people handle injuries…they don’t call plays, I don’t do surgery.”
But the Patriots head coach was a bit more forthcoming when asked about his rookie quarterback, Jacoby Brissett.
“Jacoby’s done a good job for us,” the legendary head coach said. “He’s improved every day. He’s a hard-working kid. He’s in here early, stays late, studies the game mentally. He’s got good physical talent…he’s improved steadily since he’s been here.”
Brissett is improving so much, the Patriots didn’t feel the need to sign another quarterback on a short week, paving the way for the third-round pick out of North Carolina State to make his first start.
It’s a scenario that seems to have the support of the Patriots locker room.
“He’s a smart young kid,” said wide receiver Danny Amendola. “I know he hasn’t been in the NFL for a long time bue he seems to really grasp what the offense is trying to do. He learns well from these coaches.”
“I think he’s like every other young player that’s come in here,” added safety Devin McCourty. “He’s been eager to learn and is excited about being here and just trying to get better.”
As for whether Rob Gronkowski will make his season debut tonight, the all-pro tight end says he remains day to day and is eager to join his teammates on the field. According to a report from ESPN, Gronkowski is expected to start tonight.
“It’s super tough watching the guys,” Gronkowski said. “They work super hard every single weekend. It’s tough not being out there with them but I’m doing everything I can to be out there as soon as possible.”
(Copyright (c) 2024 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)