FOXBORO -- Jimmy Garoppolo's shoulder injury is significant enough that he will not be in uniform as the Patriots take on the Bills. Jacoby Brissett will be New England's starter at quarterback and receiver Julian Edelman could be in line to take snaps if the Patriots need an emergency signal-caller.
RELATED: Source: Brissett to start at QB | Perry: What to expect with Brissett behind center
Patriots Insider Tom E. Curran reported on Sunday morning that the Patriots would wait to evaluate Garoppolo before the game in order to determine whether or not he should dress. That he's inactive for the second consecutive week is an indication of how his injury is impacting his ability to throw the football.
Other Patriots inactives include guard Jonathan Cooper, corner Eric Rowe, running back DJ Foster, tight end Greg Scruggs, linebacker Elandon Roberts and tackle LaAdrian Waddle.
Patriots linebacker Dont'a Hightower (knee) has missed each of the last two games after suffering an injury against the Cardinals in Week 1. As a captain and primary communicator for the Patriots defense, having him back to help defend the Bills -- particularly their options in the running game -- is a plus for coach Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. We'll monitor his participation level as the game plays out.
Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, who saw 14 snaps against the Texans in Week 3, is also active. Same goes for fellow tight end AJ Derby, who was inactive last week.
Derby played quarterback at Iowa and Arkansas before transitioning to tight end, and he could potentially be an emergency option at quarterback if the Patriots needed someone to throw the football. Derby was named practice player of the week for his work in days leading up to the Texans game.