New England Patriots Practice Update: Who’s First-Team QB?

Were the New England Patriots singing a chorus of “Bailey Zappe Days are Here Again” or “Look Out, ‘ol Mac Jones is Back” when the team took the practice field for Wednesday’s session?

FOXBORO — Despite entering their bye week, the New England Patriots returned to the practice fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium on Wednesday — signaling the team’s need for extra work before preparations begin in earnest for their Week 12 matchup with the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 26. Who was leading the team at quarterback taking first-team reps, one might ask? 

None other than incumbent starter Mac Jones.

Jones’ practice status is notable, as both fans and media have predicted that his performance during the Pats’ 10-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts may have precipitated the end of his tenure as the Pats starter. The third-year quarterback completed 15 of 20 passes for 170 yards, while having absorbed five sacks and one costly fourth-quarter interception. He was subsequently benched for Bailey Zappe, who did not fare much better in the closing moments of the Week 10 game from Frankfurt, Germany. 

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 Depending on the latest opinion offered, Jones’ future as the Pats starter fluctuates from remaining the starter for at least Week 12 to being relegated to third-string duties beyond both Zappe and veteran Will Grier. However, without a clear-cut superior option to usurp the starting job, the Patriots appear to be prudently taking a comprehensive approach to the third-year quarterback’s position on the depth chart. 

New England Patriots Bailey Zappe (4) Mac Jones (10) :: Cred: AP Photo/Steven Senne

Unsurprisingly, coach Bill Belichick has been non-committal when asked to reveal his stance on New England’s quarterback situation — instead indicating that a decision will be made sometime prior to the team’s preparation for their game against the Giants next Sunday. 

In addition to Jones’ practice reps, the Pats also received some positive news on veteran tackle Riley Reiff, who was present on the practice field. After having been placed on injured reserve for the second time this season in October due to a knee injury, Reiff’s 21-day window for activation has now opened. 

Lastly, cornerback J.C. Jackson, who did not travel with the Pats to Germany (personal reasons) for their Week 10 game against the Colts, returned to practice on Wednesday. The only Patriots players absent from the session were left tackle Trent Brown and hybrid runner/receiver Ty Montgomery. 

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