For the first time since he joined the New England Patriots as a first-round draft pick in 2021, a healthy Mac Jones will not be part of the starting lineup this week. After four in-game benchings already this year, the third-year quarterback has reportedly now been demoted for good: the Patriots are preparing backup Bailey Zappe as their QB1 this week.
The upcoming game against the Los Angeles Chargers will be Zappe’s third career start after he already filled in for an injured Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer last year. Back then, he looked good: despite his status as a fourth-round rookie, Zappe went 41-of-55 (74.