Earlier this week, quarterback Jarrett Stidham underwent back surgery to fix the back and shoulder pain that had him open Patriots training camp on the PUP list. The procedure was first reported by Ian Rapoport on NFL Network.
According to Rapoport, Stidham is expected to miss “roughly 12 weeks or so,” meaning he won’t be able to rejoin the team until at least mid-October. Rapoport added that the injury and resulting surgery “was not season-ending.”
This is the second straight year Stidham will miss training camp with an injury. Although he was on the field for part of the summer last year, a hip issue prevented him from truly competing for the starting job.
Without Stidham, the Patriots are left with four quarterbacks in Cam Newton, Mac Jones, Brian Hoyer, and Jake Dolegala. With Dolegala not taking part in team drills at practice so far, it’s likely the first three will be the QB group for the Patriots as the season begins – with the order to be determined.
MORE: Day 3 Patriots training camp notebook
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
