The Patriots have been without their starting quarterback for three games, but Mac Jones has progressed in his recovery from a high ankle sprain. He has improved to the point he expects to be available against the Bears on Monday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.
Jones did not practice in the week immediately after his injury but has gotten in six limited workouts since. The Patriots begin their run of pre-Week 7 workouts Thursday. Jones moving to a full practice will put Bill Belichick to a decision: start Jones at perhaps less than 100% or stick with Bailey Zappe, who is now 2-0 as the Pats’ first-stringer.
The expectation for a bit has been Jones would be cleared to play against the Bears in Week 7, Albert Breer of SI.com adds. Jones broke through as a rookie, helping the Patriots back to the playoffs and finishing the season with (by far) the best QBR figure among rookie passers. Playing in a new offense this season, Jones began his sophomore effort a bit off his rookie-year pace. With Zappe performing surprisingly well — considering his fourth-round status — Ben Volin of the Boston Globe believes the Pats do suddenly have a quarterback controversy.
While Zappe is coming off games in which he completed 81% of his passes (a 29-0 Patriots win over the Lions) and a 309-yard road performance (New England’s 38-15 win in Cleveland), those wins were against teams with the 32nd- and 30th-ranked defenses, respectively. Zappe set a Division I-FBS touchdown pass record during his one season at Western Kentucky, totaling 62 in a pass-crazed system, but has taken to the new Patriots system better than could be expected from a rookie chosen 137th overall.
Although Jones threw three interceptions during his most recent start — a Week 3 loss to the Ravens — and has five picks on the season, it would be surprising if the Pats did not turn back to their starter when he was ready. The expectation is the Pats will turn back to Jones, Breer adds, with Jeff Howe of the Athletic also offering (via Twitter) the team will give Jones the reins back when he is cleared. But Zappe has bought them some time to at least wait for their starter to fully recover.
Zappe should start Monday Night
Ride the guy on a roll, especially against the Bears. Give Mac another week to FULLY heal, then make the change if you want. (Not sure I would until the wheels fall off the Zappe Express, but that’s me.)
Rather ride one of the cheerleaders.
Please no. Jones has been horrible this year. Throwing multiple terrible interceptions. Zappe is much safer probably by design. The offense looks much better with Zappe as QB.
This is Belichick’s wet dream. A viable backup getting paid the league minimum to push a starter on a rookie deal.
I don’t think I can bring myself to visualizing Belichick having a wet dream. Even with Halloween approaching, that is just too scary.
@crosseyedlemon I laughed at your response. Now Robert Kraft on the other hand…
Coach Belichick will go with who he believes will be the best choice for the team. What anyone else thinks or wants is irrelevant.
Could this be a Wally Pipp situation?
NE should give him one game against a better defense and if he still performs like this, then he should start.