Patriots’ Bailey Zappe Taking Demotion, Lack Of Reps ‘Hard’

Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe has kept an air of confidence throughout his tenure in New England, but recent change appear to have started taking a toll.

Zappe hasn't received many opportunities this summer, comfortably looking like the fourth quarterback on the depth chart behind Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye and Joe Milton III. He claimed he wasn't worried early on, but less than a week later the 25-year-old is starting to change his tune.

"The quality is what you make of it. The quantity is all the same," Zappe said last Friday, per team-provided video. "I don't really get into -- 'Oh, he got one more than I did' or anything like that. That's left to the coaches. It's based off the quality of those reps."

One week later?

"It's hard," Zappe said Friday, per Dakota Randall of Pro Football Network. "... I want to be here. I want to help this team win."

Zappe, for the second time in camp, didn't receive any reps during competitive team drills Friday, according to those in attendance. The Patriots clearly believe Milton, with more opportunity, could provide them with better value out of the third QB role -- and that could soon be made official with a roster move.