New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones reportedly will not be suspended for the low block he delivered to Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple on Christmas Eve.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported the news on Monday.
There was concern that the second-year quarterback could miss a game, following a previous report that a suspension was on the table. However, if any punishment is handed down, it will be a fine for Jones.
“Patriots QB Mac Jones will be evaluated by the NFL for a possible fine for his low hit on Bengals CB Eli Apple, but not a suspension, per me and Tom Pelissero. This will be reviewed in the normal fine timetable,” Rapoport posted on social media.
#Patriots QB Mac Jones will be evaluated by the NFL for a possible fine for his low hit on #Bengals CB Eli Apple, but not a suspension, per me and @TomPelissero. This will be reviewed in the normal fine timetable.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 26, 2022
Apple claimed Jones’ hit was “dirty” when speaking with the media after the game.
Fortunately for the Patriots, it wasn’t bad enough for the league to hand down a suspension. We’ll ultimately see how big of a deal the NFL deems the low block by the size of the fine, if any, that is ultimately handed down for the play.