Patriots QB Mac Jones Denies Injury; Ready For Eagles?

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones assured WEEI listeners of his full health as opening day against the Philadelphia Eagles looms.

As their Week 1 kickoff game against the defending NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles looms on Sunday afternoon (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS), the New England Patriots have enough to worry about on the medical front.

Don't, however, count Mac Jones among those ailing.

Jones himself rejected rumors that he was fighting off lingering pain from his only preseason appearance, Aug. 19's shortened preseason tilt against the Green Bay Packers. In that contest, which saw Jones throw for 52 yards on nine attempts in a 21-17 victory, New England's starting quarterback endured two sacks and the Packers were credited with six more hits on both he and Bailey Zappe. 

Rumors of a Johes injury lingered after he did not appear in the preseason finale against Tennessee but Jones refuted the idea on WEEI's Jones and Mego program on Tuesday.

"I never heard that one,” Jones said, laughing off the gossip. "I’m good ... I feel great."

When asked if he would've partaken in the joint practices and exhibition held in Nashville if he had a choice in the matter, Jones said he would've done so "for sure."

Enough has been said about the pressure facing Jones this season as he enters a fateful third season as the Patriots' franchise quarterback. Almost lost in the commotion is the fact he's coming off an injury-riddled second year, as an ankle ailment cost him three games and nearly led to a Zappe coup atop the passing depth chart.

Those who decide football fates must have a cruel sense of humor: Jones' first excursion of the 2023 season comes against a Philadelphia group coming an NFL record-tying 70-sack season, one that brought them a few plays short of a Vince Lombardi Trophy hoist. Jones' first game also comes in the shadow of the Patriots' recognition of Tom Brady's legendary career.