According to ESPN Nation reporter Mike Reiss, Mac Jones is set to start against the Chicago Bears on Monday night.
Jones, inactive for the past three games, plans to return this week after telling his teammates he expects to be ready. He suffered a high ankle sprain in the fourth quarter during Week 3. The timetable for his return was initially set at 4-6 weeks but has since changed. Monday’s game would mark four weeks and one day since his injury. There reportedly have been disagreements with Mac’s treatment plan, but he decided not to get surgery. Jones was doubtful for Week 5, then questionable in Week 6.
In the absence of Mac Jones, veteran backup Brain Hoyer started Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers. However, Hoyer left the game in the first quarter with a concussion and was ruled out later. Thus, the fourth-round rookie out of Western Kentucky, Bailey Zappe, took over at quarterback. He finished in Green Bay 10/15 for 99 yards and a touchdown in a narrow overtime loss. However, Zappe quickly bounced back, impressing the sports world. Against the Detroit Lions in Week 5, he threw for 188 yards (17/21), one interception, and one touchdown. He had his best game last week, where he threw for over 300+ yards (24/34) with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Zappe has posted a 100+ or higher quarterback rating in all three games, being the only rookie in the Super Bowl era to accomplish that feat. Bailey Zappe has played in 11 quarters, going 51-70 for 596 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception.
Although Mac Jones is 1-2 this season and Zappe is 2-0, one has to consider the teams the quarterbacks have faced. Jones faced the Dolphins, Steelers, and Ravens (all teams with strong defenses), while Zappe has faced the Packers, Lions, and Browns (arguably weaker defenses). Although Zappe is intriguing, the sample size is just not big enough to let go of Mac just yet. The change of coaching staff with poor offensive line play at the beginning of the season also contributed to Mac’s shaky play.
Many Patriots fans have been conflicted about who they want at quarterback. Less than 18 months ago, the Patriots used their first-round pick on Alabama QB Mac Jones. Bailey Zappe is very good and will be a good quarterback, but when Mac Jones is ready, it will be his job to lose.
The Patriots will announce their inactive list 90 minutes before game time on Monday night.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
