default-cbs-image

The New England Patriots could be down to their fourth-string quarterback for their Week 4 game against Buffalo, which could be kind of a problem because the Patriots don't really have a fourth-string quarterback on their roster.

If you've been avoiding the internet over the past 10 days, here's a quick look at the Patriots QB depth chart and why they could be down to their fourth-string quarterback against the Bills:

First-string QB: Tom Brady is suspended and can't play until Week 5.

Second-string QB: Jimmy Garoppolo has a bad shoulder (sprained AC joint).

Third-string QB: Jacoby Brissett has a bad thumb.

Fourth-string QB: Maybe Julian Edelman? The Patriots don't technically have a fourth-string QB.

The reason we're bringing up New England's quarterback situation now is because the team is returning to practice on Sunday, and it apparently has no clue who the starting quarterback will be against the Bills.

As of right now, there's good news and bad news about the Pats' quarterback situation.

First, the good news.

CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora reported Sunday that both Brissett and Garoppolo are making "good strides," which means it's possible that one or both of them could be available against the Bills. Both being available would be the best case scenario. One of them being available would also be good news.

Now, the bad news: If Brissett and Garoppolo aren't healthy enough to play in Week 4, that means the Patriots will likely have to sign a free agent and unfortunately, there aren't really any good free agents out there.

On Friday, CBSSports.com's Will Brinson went over all the possible candidates who could sign with the Patriots, and let's just say, people in New England better hope that either Garoppolo or Brissett happen to get healthy because there's really no one on the list worth signing.

If Garoppolo and Brissett can't go, then Sean Renfree or T.J. Yates would probably be the top options in New England.

If you want to know how Bill Belichick feels about his QB situation, then keep an eye on Monday's free-agent transactions. If the Patriots sign someone, that likely means they don't feel good about the health of Garoppolo or Brissett. However, if the Patriots don't sign anyone, that means we'll likely see Garoppolo or Brissett starting in Week 4.

Of course, Belichick could also just pull someone off the street and probably win with them. The Patriots coach is 6-0 with quarterbacks who are making their first career start.