Mac Jones already seemed likely to play on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the latest official news on the Patriots quarterback is even more encouraging.
Jones was listed on Wednesday’s Patriots injury report as a full participant in practice, which is a great sign for his recovery from a back injury.
#Patriots QB Mac Jones is believed to have been suffering from back spasms, sources say. X-Rays were negative, per @TomPelissero, and there is a chance Jones plays this week. Overall, a very positive outcome. pic.twitter.com/794yYPBBpT
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2022" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that Jones was dealing with back spasms.Patriots defenders can’t hit Jones in practice, anyway, but it’s certainly promising that the second-year quarterback had no real limitations on his ability to throw. He was recorded making warm-up tosses during Wednesday’s media availability at the practice fields, and looked comfortable.
Once x-rays on Jones’ back were negative, it was never really a question of whether he’d play on Sunday at Heinz Field. He seems understandably irritated by the incessant questions about the injury and his status for the game.
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Here’s a sampling of questions from Jones’ press conference on Wednesday…
Q: How did you feel out there today?
MJ: Good. Felt good.
Q: How’s your back feeling?
MJ: It feels good. Everything feels good. Just keeping it warm and throwing the football.
Q: Keeping it warm, describe the treatment you ‘ve had over the past 48 hours?
MJ: Just the normal treatment plan. I always like to work with my guy Brian [Dolan] and he does a good job. That’s what we always do. Whatever hurts during the game, just fix it and then play the next week.
Q: You expect to play on Sunday?
MJ: Yeah. I’m good.
The real question this week was whether Jones would be held back physically on Sunday. Barring a setback on Thursday or Friday, Jones appears to be a full go for the Steelers. His offensive line better be ready, because the kid could use better protection.
Here’s more from the Patriots’ Wednesday injury report…
Ja’Whaun Bentley (Toe) Absent
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 11: Ja’Whaun Bentley #8 of the New England Patriots sacks Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Patriots defensive captain was scheduled to speak to reporters Wednesday, but had to cancel due to appearing on the injury report. He was the only player listed as a non-participant.
Bentley was one of the Pats’ few bright spots in Miami. He sacked Tua Tagovailoa once and logged a team-high seven tackles in the 20-7 loss.
Adrian Phillips (Ribs) Limited
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 11: Adrian Phillips #21 of the New England Patriots walks off the field after an injury during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
Phillips had to exit last Sunday’s loss to the Dolphins with a rib injury. The fact he participated at all is a promising sign that he avoided some kind of fracture, but it’s too early to tell. According to
Source: #Pats are "cautiously optimistic" regarding injured safety Adrian Phillips, who sustained a rib injury vs the #Dolphins during 1H and did not return. Phillips (75.5) was the third-highest graded Patriots' player, per @PFF. NE plays at the #Steelers Week 2.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 12, 2022" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Jordan Schulz, the Patriots are “cautiously optimistic” about Phillips’ situation.The Rest of the Injury Report…
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – AUGUST 26: Running back Pierre Strong Jr. #35 of the New England Patriots is tackled after a catch by linebacker Darien Butler #58 of the Las Vegas Raiders during their preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 26, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Patriots 23-6. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Here’s who else was listed on the Patriots’ first injury report of Week 2…
DB Joshuah Bledsoe (groin)
CB Shaun Wade (ankle)
RB Pierre Strong Jr. (Shoulder)The Patriots initially had guard Cole Strange listed with the shoulder injury, but that was apparently a clerical error. They soon corrected it and said it was actually Strong, a rookie running back out of South Dakota State, with the shoulder.
We’ll continue to keep you updated on everything ahead of Patriots-Steelers here at 985TheSportsHub.com. Get the call of the game on 98.5 on your radios Sunday, plus pregame and postgame coverage on the air and in the Sports Hub app.
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. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
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The Mac Jones situation is even more encouraging after the Patriots’ injury report
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