Mac Jones lost his job as the New England Patriots‘ starting quarterback a few weeks ago, but that does not mean he has no chance to play again before the season concludes.
Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien spoke about Jones this week, saying that just because he has been benched in favor of Bailey Zappe does not necessarily mean he can’t retake the field in 2023.
“I think everybody’s got to be ready to play — especially in the situation that we’re in,” O’Brien said, via Dakota Randall of NESN. “I really do. I think that everybody has to be ready to go. Anybody that’s on the 53-man roster really has to go out on the practice field and practice well and earn a shot to play.”
Jones lost his job to Zappe starting in Week 13.
“So, and I know that you’ve heard that from Bill [Belichick] — but that’s the truth,” O’Brien continued. “Like, you have to be ready to go. Because if you practice really well, you’re gonna have a real shot to play. So, I think that goes for every position.”
In 11 starts this year, Jones has thrown for 2,120 yards, 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 64.9 percent of his passes and posting a passer rating of 77.
He was benched for Zappe midgame numerous times this season before finally being sent to the bench for good after a miserable Week 12 showing in which Jones went 12-for-21 with 89 yards and a couple of picks in a loss to the New York Giants.
Mac Jones, who played his collegiate football at the University of Alabama, was selected by New England with the 15th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft.
He got off to a solid start, making a trip to the Pro Bowl during his rookie campaign. However, he has regressed ever since, and now, the Pats will almost surely be searching for a new quarterback this offseason.
The Patriots are 3-11 this year and will take on the Denver Broncos this Sunday. They will then face the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets to wrap up the regular season.
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