It was an interesting start to the New England Patriots’ final week of their 2021 preseason. News came out on Monday morning that quarterback Cam Newton wasn’t on the field at the start of practice due to the league’s Covid-19 protocols and a “misunderstanding about tests conducted away from NFL facilities.”
With Newton out, Mac Jones became the quarterback who spent the majority of the days with the first team while Brian Hoyer led the twos. As the Patriots gear up for two joint practices with the New York Giants this week, Newton’s absence opens the door for Jones, who now has a big opportunity ahead for him.