As a result of the casualties of Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer due to injuries, Bill Belichick will have to fall back on a rookie quarterback for the third time since joining the Patriots in 2000.
According to Jordan Schultz, of TheScore, Bailey Zappe will be the starter from new england for the week 5 game against the Lions.
“He’s had more practice time, which is good for a quarterback, plus it helps with timing and communication,” Belichick said of Zappe in recent days. “He’s definitely making progress. More experience and opportunities“.
Zappe will have the first start of his career as Mac Jones recovering from a sprain ankle that already sidelined him for the second week in a row. Also, Brian Hoyer was placed on injured reserve after a concussion; the veteran will be inactive for at least four weeks.
The 23-year-old QB saw activity in the week 4 game against the Packers and threw for 10 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown.
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No QB on the roster besides Zappe, the Patriots signed Garrett Gilbert to their practice squad; The four-year veteran is expected to serve as a backup next Sunday.
Special place in the Belichick era
Zappe, drafted in the fourth round of the 2022 Draft out of Western Kentucky, is just the third rookie QB to start for the Patriots under Belichick’s management. The other QBs to start a game in their first year as pros were Jacoby Brissett and Mac Jones.
