Patriots quarterback Mac Jones appeared to find himself in the proverbial timeout corner during the media-availability portion of practice on Wednesday.
While the other two New England quarterbacks, 2022 fourth-rounder Bailey Zappe and undrafted free agent rookie Malik Cunningham, participated in passing drills, Jones was off to the side watching his teammates.
Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham were the only QBs to throw passes during a drill with WRs and TEs during the media-access portion of #Patriots practice.
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) November 29, 2023
Mac Jones stood behind them. pic.twitter.com/v42bev1Rvr
Jones, a 2021 first-round pick, has started every game this season, but his performances of late have put his position in jeopardy. Last Sunday’s dismal 10-7 loss to the Giants marked the fourth consecutive game in which Jones has thrown a pick and the fourth time Jones has been benched this year. Through 12 weeks, Jones has recorded 10 touchdowns against 12 interceptions.
With the Patriots staring at their worst season start (2-9) in the last three decades, head coach Bill Belichick—whose job isn’t as secure as it once was—may be considering a permanent change under center. As of Wednesday, Belichick hasn’t yet named the starting quarterback for Week 13’s matchup against the Chargers.
Zappe has been the go-to substitute for Jones in 2023, though the Western Kentucky product hasn’t fared too well himself and has yet to throw a touchdown this year. Cunningham, who has spent the majority of the season on the practice squad, owns the blankest slate of the three, but most of his practice reps have come as a wide receiver.
From one perspective, Jones’ lack of reps in throwing drills could be seen as a disciplinary consequence for his lackluster performances thus far. From another perspective, Belichick could simply be playing mind games with his next opponent.
The Patriots are set to play the Chargers at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
