Getty Image / Dylan Buell
Getty Image / Maddie Meyer
It’s been an inauspicious start for the 2022 New England Patriots. Bill Belichick’s team is 1-2 through three weeks and looks mediocre on both sides of the ball, especially on offense.
Things aren’t helped by the fact that 2nd-year quarterback Mac Jones is banged up. Jones suffered a high ankle sprain in their week 3 loss to Baltimore, and things looked bleak. But, earlier in the week, Mac appeared to be taking strides toward playing in their week 4 game against the Green Bay Packers. The Patriots now have their answer on whether he will be able to play.
Patriots Quarterback Mac Jones Will Miss Their Week 4 Game
Unfortunately for New England fans, Mac Jones will be out for this weekend’s game.
Patriots ruled out QB Mac Jones for Sunday’s game in Green Bay.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 30, 2022
Journeyman quarterback Brian Hoyer will start.
It’s a huge blow to New England, as a loss this week against one of the league’s top teams would drop them to 1-3. That isn’t a death sentence for their season, but it’s certainly not good.
The NFL world reacts
Of course, with the Dolphins handling of the Tua Tagovailoa situation teams may be more cautious going forward with injuries.
Smart move to keep him out unlike another joke of an organization
— 😵💫😵💫😵💫 (@trolledbyMacc) September 30, 2022
New England fans are pretty optimistic, though. Hoyer is probably one of the more reliable backups in the league.
Brian Hoyer masterclass incoming
— (Patriots, 1-2) Bradley (@macjoneszn) September 30, 2022
High ankle sprains can linger for a long time and if Hoyer doesn’t play well, they may have to make a move. Enter Gardner Minshew.
I want the Patriots to trade for Gardner Minshew.
Can you imagine Minshew Mania in New England? It would be such a wild, but fun rest of the season. pic.twitter.com/QybKYEGfSE
— Jordan Moore (@iJordanMoore) September 27, 2022
Either way, this is an injury they can ill-afford.