Seven games into the season, Brian Hoyer’s stat-line reads like this: he has appeared in one game and has played 12 offensive snaps, going 3-for-4 as a passer for 79 yards. Despite seeing only limited action thus far, however, the veteran has proven himself a valuable member of the New England Patriots’ quarterback room.
Now in his 13th NFL season — including seven with the Patriots — Hoyer is serving as a mentor for the Patriots’ young starting quarterback. He has taken first-round rookie Mac Jones under his wing, and is therefore more than just a traditional backup at the position.