FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Confirming that quarterback Mac Jones will start out Sunday for the New England Patriots, coach Bill Belichick cited Jones’ wellness as the explanation he did not play the whole game in Monday’s loss to the Chicago Bears.
“He was prepared to play final week, but just did not really feel it was the complete game. This week is a various predicament,” Belichick mentioned Thursday.
The Patriots (three-four) take a look at the New York Jets (five-two) on Sunday. After seeing Jones at Wednesday’s practice, Belichick noted the dynamics of the predicament had changed, as Jones was coming back from a higher left ankle sprain suffered Sept. 25.
“Mac took a complete workload yesterday, and I count on him to be completely offered for the game and prepared to go,” he mentioned.
Belichick’s unconventional handling of the Patriots’ quarterbacks in Monday loss, coupled with him not clarifying and detailing specifics when asked by reporters, sparked uncertainty on Jones’ standing as the starter.
Jones was pulled Monday right after 3 series that did not create any points, and his final play was an interception. Backup Bailey Zappe, who had began two games in Jones’ location and helped the group to two victories, promptly led back-to-back touchdown drives just before fading in the second half.
The dwelling crowd had chanted Zappe’s name, adding an additional unexpected layer to the uncommon method of playing two quarterbacks. Belichick also would not commit to a starter right away right after the game, or two days later in his Wednesday news conference.
On Thursday, Belichick mentioned Jones’ potential to manage a complete workload Wednesday was essential for each the quarterback, and the whole offense.
“He’s prepared to do that, so that is what he requires to prepare for the game and that is what our offensive unit requires — everyone operating with each other. We’ll get that this week,” he mentioned.
“That’s exactly where we’re at. We’re having prepared for the Jets. Period.”
The Patriots officially removed Jones from the injury report Wednesday.
