How Patriots Reportedly Handled QB Reps In Only Bye Week Practice

At first glance, it appears New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones might actually keep his job.

Jones reportedly took the first reps in practice at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday, the only session the Patriots will hold given they're on the bye week.

MassLive's Mark Daniels reported Jones was working with starting center David Andrews and the starting offensive line while Bailey Zappe was not. The media portion is limited, though, as Daniels referenced.

Mac Jones took the first reps of practice. He was with David Andrews and that group. Bailey Zappe came on the field next. Zappe wasn’t with Andrews.

From our brief look at practice, Mac still looks like the starter. We’ll see if that changes next week pic.twitter.com/7qizfXXdzf

— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) November 15, 2023

When the Patriots went through their first offensive snaps in the media-access portion of Wednesday’s practice, Mac Jones was in at QB.

All 3 QBs took reps in the time reporters were present. pic.twitter.com/Q9Vjx5TYSc

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) November 15, 2023

Will Grier worked with third-string center James Ferentz, according to reporters.

That does not mean Bill Belichick and company couldn't change their mind before New England travels to face the New York Giants, of course. The tight-lipped Belichick deflected when asked about the team's starting quarterback immediately after New England's Week 10 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Germany and again during media availability Monday.

Had Belichick and the Patriots featured Zappe with Andrews and the first-teamers Wednesday, it certainly would have sparked headlines throughout the weekend. ESPN's Dan Graziano already predicted Zappe will start in Week 12, and he's probably not the only one who feels that way.

But for now, it seems to be Jones.

Belichick is not slated to meet with reporters again until Tuesday after the bye.