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New England Patriots

New England Patriots

  • On Monday afternoon, Mac Jones spoke with the media for the first time since the Patriots’ 37-26 loss to the Raiders. Jones injured his ankle on the final play of the game, and was later reported to have a high-ankle sprain.

    The fact Jones spoke to the media at all feels like a positive sign, or at least non-negative. Injured players aren’t required to hold media sessions.

    While there have reports about Jones’ ankle, this was the first time hearing his side of the story. That side was pretty concise, with Jones generally repeating the same answer every time he was asked about his injury.

  • More: Zo & Bertrand on Mac Jones’ injury

  • “I’m just kind of taking it day-to-day and making sure everything’s good,” Jones said when asked how he was feeling to start the interview. “Honestly, any injury questions are Coach Belichick’s thing. So I’m not here to answer them. I appreciate everyone kind of reaching out and looking out for me. But it’s kind of just a day-to-day thing. I’m just trying to get better.”

    Two questions later, Jones was asked if it is his intent to play this Sunday in Green Bay against the Packers. “Like I said, just taking it day-by-day, and see how I feel and do my treatment and kind of just go through that,” he replied. “Like I always do, just focus on today. Then when tomorrow comes, focus on tomorrow. But definitely any updates, like I said, you can talk to Coach about.”

    A couple of minutes later, Jones was asked again about the ankle, and if he felt like it could cause him to miss the rest of the 2022 season. “Like I said, just going to take it day-by-day, and kind of get my treatment and do what I do,” he said. “So just see how I feel. If you have anymore like those type questions just talk to Coach Belichick. I think he likes to answer those questions. So you can ask him.”

    Notice a pattern yet?

    Jones used some form of that answer four more times during the press conference. The only time he didn’t was when he was asked about a report indicating he hoped to get a second opinion on his ankle. “I’m just waiting on the time here. Just kind of letting it play out and see how I feel,” he said to that one. “I don’t really have a lot of information on that. Honestly just trying to make it to tomorrow. Get my rehab going there too. ”

    This isn’t to knock Jones’ repetition – it’s textbook Patriots. Until he’s ruled out for sure, why make any definitive statements? And why let the Packers know there’s no chance they’ll have to prepare to face him?

    Pending any breaking news, the next tangible update on Jones’ condition one way or the other should come on Wednesday – seeing whether or not he is at practice. The team will also release the first injury report of the week that day.

    Jones’ injury isn’t the only one from Sunday for Patriots fans to track either. Starting cornerback Jalen Mills didn’t finish the game due to a hamstring injury. There’s been no update on his status since the game.

  • 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.

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