The New England Patriots officially ruled quarterback Mac Jones out for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers.
Longtime backup Brian Hoyer is expected to start in place of the injured Jones, who suffered a high-ankle sprain in the Patriots’ 37-26 loss to the Baltimore Ravens last week.
Jones was hurt after being hit by Ravens defensive end Calais Campbell late in the fourth quarter. The second-year quarterback was seen hopping off the field and visibly in pain as he was being helped into the Patriots’ locker room.
Hoyer will get his first start since Week 4 of the 2020 NFL season when he started in place of quarterback Cam Newton, who was on the COVID list. Hoyer had 130 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception in a 26-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Last season, he saw action in five games, throwing for a total of 227 yards and a touchdown.
When asked about his quarterback’s injury Wednesday, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick gave vague answers about the injury. In a press conference reminiscent of the “On to Cincinnati” one in 2014, Belichick said the Patriots are taking the injury “day by day,” saying that phrase in each of his answers about Jones’ injury.
“Day by day. We’ll evaluate him day by day. What difference does it make to me? Do you think I’m going to read the MRI? That’s not my job,” Belichick said, clearly annoyed at the questions.
The Patriots’ long-time coach said “day by day” 12 times in the press conference.
New England’s game against Green Bay will kick off from Lambeau Field at 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS.