New England Patriots third-year quarterback Jarrett Stidham was not on the field during the team’s first open practice of training camp. He might not be coming back any time soon.

New England Patriots quarterback Jarrett Stidham throws prior to a November 2019 game against the Baltimore Ravens in Baltimore. Julio Cortez/Associated Press

According to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, Stidham has been experiencing pain in his back and right shoulder when throwing the football. Howe also reports that “surgery has been noted as a possibility” for Stidham, with no immediate timeline for his return.

The report comes on the heels of the Patriots bringing back former practice squad quarterback Jake Dolegala to the roster on Wednesday. Stidham was one of nine players placed on the Physically Unable to Perform list before the start of camp.

Stidham’s absence Wednesday left the Patriots with three quarterbacks on the roster to run drills. Having Dolegala in the building gives the Patriots another body to help run plays as they go through camp.

A fourth-round pick out of Auburn in 2019, Stidham is entering what could be a pivotal season for his career. Before the Patriots signed Cam Newton in 2020, there were early rumblings that Stidham was a potential option as the starting quarterback.

Now, in 2021, Stidham is still perceived to be behind Newton and now he has increased competition in the form of first-round pick Mac Jones. Stidham, who was already in a tough spot in the roster battle at quarterback, will now have to work his way back from injury heading into the new season.