New England Patriots Getting Offensive Weapon Back; Mac Jones Still Starting?

Mac Jones will start at quarterback Sunday for the New England Patriots, and he might have a new receiver target.

Bad news: Already mired in a record offensive drought, the New England Patriots returned to the practice field Tuesday in Foxboro without two injured receivers.

Good news: One of their fastest players and supposedly biggest playmakers could be back for Sunday's game at the Las Vegas Raiders.

Neutral news: Mac Jones is expected to again start at quarterback.

"The sun came up today. We’re going to practice, and we’re going to get after it and be fundamentally sound and see what happens tomorrow," said offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien in confirming that the reeling Pats won't be switching to second-year backup Bailey Zappe. "One day at a time. Try to dig ourselves out of it.”

Jones has thrown four interceptions - including two Pick 6s - as New England has lost its last two games by a humiliating 72-3. The offense hasn't scored a touchdown in 10 quarters.

Tyquan Thornton's speed may be returning to the Patriots' lineup this week in Las Vegas

He's been benched the last two games in favor of Zappe, but will start Sunday in Las Vegas as the 1-4 Patriots try to salvage a season teetering on the brink of disaster.

“It’s not about one guy,” O’Brien said, “but as the quarterback you’re going to shoulder a lot of that. Mac understands that. He’s working hard. He’s in here early, in here (Monday) trying to think about things to do better."

While receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Demario Douglas both missed practice with concussions, second-year speedster Tyquan Thornton was on the field for the first time this regular season after suffering a shoulder injury late in preseason. The Patriots' handcuffed offense could use Thornton's deep-play ability. Injuries, however, have kept 2022's 50th overall draft pick off the field for nine of a possible 22 games.

Also missing from practice was Michael Onwenu (ankle), leaving rookies Atonio Mafi and Sidy Sow as the Pats' starting guards.

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