Mac Jones is going to be out for a little while with his ankle injury. The question is how long, and how he goes about his recovery.

Based on the latest reporting out of the NFL Network, Jones and his camp seem to be leaning toward avoiding surgery to repair Jones’ high-ankle sprain, and opting for a scalpel-less rehab. Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo both appeared on “NFL Now” Tuesday to give their latest intel on the situation.

“Really, the choices here for Mac Jones are rehabbing from this injury – which I’m told is his preference – or potentially undergoing surgery, most likely the tightrope surgery that Tua Tagovailoa had back in college,” Pelissero said. “Other players have undergone it. Generally speaking, players want to avoid surgery when they can.”

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Jones ostensibly falls into the camp of players who would rather avoid surgery if it’s not completely necessary. The aforementioned tightrope surgery, however, could result in a quicker return to the football field. Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts both had it during their time with the Alabama Crimson Tide, whose doctors are fans of the procedure. Perhaps the Patriots are, too.

But with Garafolo’s added context, it appears that Jones will get what he wants and rehab the injury without surgery. For now.

“Every expectation I’ve got is that there won’t be surgery right now, or at least that was the hope, as of yesterday,” Garafolo said. “With some rehab and some rest, he’ll get back right eventually. There could also be a [platelet rich plasma injection], the thought is that would help with the healing. So, you’ll probably see that course of action with Mac Jones.”

According to Pelissero, Jones visited Dr. Martin O’Malley, a prominent orthopedic surgeon and foot/ankle specialist in New York, for a second opinion on the ankle injury. O’Malley is a foot and ankle consultant for the New York Giants, as well as the team orthopedist for the New York Knicks and team physician for USA Basketball.

Pelissero also noted that this is the most severe injury of Jones’ entire football life, and hasn’t had an injury this serious since he broke his arm falling off the monkey bars as a kid.

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – SEPTEMBER 25: Quarterback Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots jogs towards the sideline after an injury during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium on September 25, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

The totality of the reporting suggests that Jones and the Patriots have had differences of opinion on how to proceed with the injury. If the Pats are pushing surgery, they’re essentially pushing Jones to get back on the football field as soon as he can. Jones and his camp may be prioritizing patience and discipline with his health, particularly in the long-term, which would be his right.

Surely the hot takes from either side of this are going to be fun.

We’ll continue to keep you updated with the latest reporting on the Mac Jones injury and more. Click here for complete New England Patriots coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

UPDATE: Mac Jones has been ruled out for Sunday’s game in Green Bay, dashing any hopes of a quick return. His rehab and recovery will now be the focus.

Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.