When the New England Patriots signed quarterback Jake Dolega, the transaction signaled something was off with quarterback Jarrett Stidham, who missed the first day of training camp on Wednesday on the physically unable to perform list. He is dealing with a shoulder/back issue, per The Athletic’s Jeff Howe. Coach Bill Belichick confirmed on Thursday the quarterback would “miss a little time.”
For the second straight training camp, an injury will make his ambitions to contribute a major challenge. Stidham surely had aspirations to compete for the top quarterback job. At this point, he’d be lucky to land at QB2, with quarterbacks Cam Newton and Mac Jones in a battle for the top spot. Brian Hoyer and Dolega will help fill depth roles.
Bill Belichick says Jarrett Stidham will "miss a little time", reportedly due to a shoulder injury. pic.twitter.com/UljJP46Bpa
— NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSBoston) July 29, 2021
Stidham was the third-string quarterback in 2020 until Brian Hoyer had a rough showing in 2020 against the Kansas City Chiefs when Newton, the starter, missed a week of play after contracting COVID-19. Stidham took over in the second half, and seemed to assume the backup job past that point.
