Patriots quarterback Mac Jones wasn’t included on the team’s injury report at all this week, the first time that’s been the case since he suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 3 that caused him to miss three games. Jones remained off the final report Friday afternoon, but apparently is still dealing with issues relating to that injury.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Giardi, Jones ” is dealing with numbness in the toes on his left foot.” Giardi adds that the numbness “didn’t impact Mac’s on-field prep for the Jets” but is worth keeping an eye on.
Jones returned from that ankle injury last week to start Monday night against the Bears. He played three series – with the final one ending in an interception – and then was then pulled from the game at the start of the third quarter. The entire layout of that game led to questions about his standing as the team’s quarterback moving forward, with rookie Bailey Zappe playing well in relief.
This week, Belichick reaffirmed Jones as the starter and told reporters the 24-year-old quarterback is “ready to play.” For his part, Jones told reporters on Wednesday he “feels pretty good.”
As for the players that are listed on the Patriots’ injury report, the team is ruling out two starters in center David Andrews (concussion) and defensive lineman Christian Barmore (knee). Neither player participated in practice this week.
The Patriots have ruled out David Andrews and Christian Barmore for Sunday. pic.twitter.com/lRg63F6Tk2
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) October 28, 2022Safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) joined Andrews and Barmore in not practicing Wednesday or Thursday, but did return to the field on Friday in a limited capacity. That seems to be a sign things are trending in the right direction, as the team listed him as questionable instead of ruling him out all together.
Six other Patriots players are listed as questionable for this game. They are wide receiver Nelson Agholor (hamstring), tackle Isaiah Wynn (shoulder), linebackers Anfernee Jennings (calf) and Josh Uche (hamstring), cornerback Jonathan Jones (ankle), and safety Adrian Phillips (shoulder).
Wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (toe) and guard Mike Onwenu (ankle) were both removed from the injury report on Friday, indicated they’re expected to play on Sunday. Both were full participants in Friday’s practice.
As for the Jets, they ruled out wide receiver Corey Davis (knee) earlier in the day. Davis has been the team’s leading receiver this year. Offensive tackle Duane Brown (shoulder) and defensive end Jermaine Johnson (ankle) are both questionable.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
