USA Today via Reuters
Jan 15, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) reacts to an interception during the third quarter of the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports| Courtesy- Reuters
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 15, 2022; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) reacts to an interception during the third quarter of the AFC Wild Card playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports| Courtesy- Reuters
New England Patriots officially listed star QB, Mac Jones, as doubtful for the Detroit Lions clash. The 24-year-old second-year QB suffered an ankle injury. Bailey Zappe is named as his replacement. The rookie player will start in the Week 5 game at Gillette Stadium, in Jones’ place.
Earlier, the Patriots hoped that their top QB will be available for the Sunday game. However, the absence of Jones, who is widely seen as Tom Brady’s heir, would mean that the team is one key member short while heading to a crucial clash. The former NFL champions suffered back-to-back losses in the new season. They are looking at a revival of sorts.
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What happened to Mac Jones?
Mac Jones suffered a high ankle sprain, which took him away from the game. It happened in the Patriots’ Week 3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. That injury kept him out of Week 4 action. He was not part of the Patriots that lost to the Packers in overtime.
via Getty
Houston, TX – October 10: During the last New England drive of the game, quarterback Mac Jones (left) came to the sidelines to confer with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels (right). The New England Patriots visited the Houston Texans for a regular season NFL football game at NRG Stadium in Houston, TX on Oct. 10, 2021. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Jones did not practice a lot on Wednesday and Thursday. It was likely that he would need more recovery time. However, the coach provided an update to Jones fans. Bill Belichick spoke about the improvement of their promising QB. He revealed Jones is a lot closer than he was last Friday.
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What is next?
The Patriots decided to wait and see how things would transpire about Mac Jones and his injury. Rookie Bailey Zappe is making the first start of his career in Jones’ place. Zappe took over for Brian Hoyer against the Packers. This was when the veteran backup suffered a head injury. Hoyer is also placed on injured reserve.
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New England has a lot to fight for because of injuries. They will look to bounce back and find momentum in the NFL campaign with a win on Sunday. Experienced coach Bill Belichick will look for a positive turnover.
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