Mac Jones On Short Leash Sunday
1 year agoNew England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is expected to start in Week 6 but could be on a short leash, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The former first-round pick has struggled drastically over the last few weeks, and his on-the-field woes have caused him to be benched in each of the Patriots' last two games. On both occasions, he was replaced by Bailey Zappe. Now, Rapoport notes that the Patriots could once again pull Jones after just a few series this Sunday versus the Las Vegas Raiders, though it's unclear who would replace him. Zappe has seen increased reps during practice, but the same is true for Will Grier, who has been inactive as the emergency third quarterback this year. The Patriots also elevated undrafted free agent quarterback Malik Cunningham from the practice squad by signing him to a three-year contract on Saturday. Rapoport notes that New England has a package prepared specifically for the speedy and athletic Cunningham, but it remains to be seen whether they will use it. There are several moving parts, factors, and considerations here, but the bottom line is that Jones' job is far from heading into Week 6.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport