Rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe is set to make his first NFL start for the New England Patriots in Week 5 with incumbent Mac Jones still limping from his high-ankle sprain, Pro Football Network reported Thursday.
Jones returned to practice Wednesday and was listed as limited. He reportedly is moving better and making the case that he’ll be well enough to play against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. However, he’s not considered close to being ready to return, per PFN. He was listed as limited again Thursday.
A more realistic timeline for Jones is Week 6, per the report.
Primary backup Brian Hoyer (concussion) was placed on injured reserve Thursday, according to multiple reports, leaving the QB duties to Zappe. Hoyer will have to miss at least four games.
Zappe replaced Hoyer last week in the 27-24 overtime loss to the Green Bay Packers and played 74 percent of the snaps. He finished 10 of 15 for 99 yards and a touchdown pass.
Zappe is taking first-team snaps in practice this week and getting input from Jones.
“He’s been very helpful,” Zappe told reporters. “Same for me, I’ve been doing everything I can to try and help him out with everything going on. We’re just trying to be the best for the team.”
The Patriots on Wednesday signed QB Garrett Gilbert to the practice squad. Gilbert, 31, made one start with Washington last season and completed 20 of 31 passes for 194 yards, with no touchdowns and no interceptions in a 27-17 Week 15 loss at Philadelphia.
Also, tight end Jonnu Smith was upgraded to limited in Thursday’s practice after being sidelined Wednesday with an ankle injury. Defensive ends Lawrence Guy (shoulder) and DeMarcus Mitchell (concussion) remained out Thursday.
–Field Level Media
