Rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe will be making his first official NFL start against the Detroit Lions with New England Patriots starting quarterback, Mac Jones, listed as out for Sunday’s game.
Jones was making a push to play after being upgraded as a limited participant at practice this week. However, he still needs more time to recover from the high ankle sprain he suffered in the team’s Week 3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
The Patriots will also be without tight end Jonnu Smith, who went down with an ankle injury against the Green Bay Packers last week.
Patriots inactives. pic.twitter.com/7jFp59TM9D
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 9, 2022
But it isn’t all bad news for New England.
The team’s top receiving target, Jakobi Meyers, is set to return from a knee injury, and rookie second-round draft pick Tyquan Thornton will be making his NFL debut after injuring his collarbone in the preseason.
For the first time this season, the Patriots will have their entire receiving corps at their disposal. It’s sure to come in handy when facing one of the worst passing defenses in the league.
