New England Patriots QB Mac Jones suffered 'pretty severe' high ankle sprain, per report
It doesn’t appear likely that Mac Jones will be suiting up anytime soon for the New England Patriots.
According to the NFL Network, tests on Monday confirmed that the Patriots quarterback suffered a “pretty severe” high ankle sprain in Sunday's 37-26 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. The hope is that the Patriots quarterback won’t need surgery, but he’s reportedly getting a second opinion to determine that. Until then, the timetable of his recovery is uncertain.
Mike Giardi of the NFL Network reported that it was feared Jones suffered a significant tear in a tendon or ligament in his ankle. The injury occurred with 2:09 left in the contest. As Jones threw a deep pass, Ravens defensive tackle Calais Campbell landed on the quarterback’s left ankle.
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OPINION: Injury to Mac Jones puts another stain on this Patriots season
Immediately, it was clear something was wrong. Unable to put any weight on his left foot, Jones hopped to the sideline on his right foot. He was then seen screaming in pain while two Patriots staffers carried him down a flight of stairs and took him to be examined in the locker room.
If the Patriots opt to place Jones on injured reserve, that would keep the quarterback out for at least four games. That would mean the Patriots would play the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, followed by the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears, without their starting quarterback.
If Jones misses only four games, he would return to face the New York Jets in Week 8.
Without Jones, veteran backup Brian Hoyer will start for the Patriots with rookie Bailey Zappe serving as his backup. On Monday, coach Bill Belichick was asked what Hoyer brings to the offense and responded, “Brian’s got a lot of experience in the offense.” When asked about Zappe, who was drafted in the fourth round last spring, Belichick responded, “He’s gotten a lot better.”
In three games, Jones has thrown for 786 yards with two touchdowns and five interceptions. On Sunday, he ran for the first touchdown of his NFL career. In his place, the Patriots will turn to Hoyer for the second time in the last three seasons. Hoyer last started in Week 4 of the 2020 season when Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19. The veteran completed 15 of 24 passes for 130 yards with an interception and fumble lost. He was replaced by Jarrett Stidham in that game, which the Pats lost 26-10 to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Hoyer, 36, has been in the NFL since 2009 and has started 39 games for seven different NFL teams.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Patriots' Mac Jones has 'pretty severe' high ankle sprain
