Mac Jones’ plan is to be Patriots’ starting quarterback vs. Giants

FOXBORO — Patriots quarterback Mac Jones didn’t provide a clear answer when asked point blank Wednesday if he’s going to start Week 12 against the Giants.

“Hope so,” Jones said. “That’s the plan, I think.”

“I always work really hard for that,” he added. “Really put a lot of attention to detail into the week like I talked about. A lot of that decision making is things I can’t control, but I can control my attitude and my effort like I talked about. I’m really thankful overall just to be in the NFL and to be playing quarterback on Thanksgiving, right? It’s a great week to be grateful for a lot of things. To play this game, the game we love, together, I think that means a lot to me regardless of the situation.

Jones was then asked a follow-up whether that’s his plan or what he understands is the team’s plan.

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“We’ll see, right?” he said. “We’ve had those conversations, and like I talked about, just focusing on the controllables and being where my feet are is very important. And at the end like I said I’m thankful to be here, to be the quarterback and going to continue to work hard and put in the hours every day. That’s all you can do and see where you’re at.”

Head coach Bill Belichick wouldn’t answer who would be starting Tuesday morning when asked about the Patriots’ plan at quarterback, only saying that he had told all of the QBs to be ready to go.

The top candidates to start Sunday are Jones and backup Bailey Zappe. Zappe replaced Jones after the starter was benched in last Sunday’s 10-6 loss to the Colts in Frankfurt, Germany before a two-minute drill while the Patriots were trailing by four points.

Jones said Wednesday that the Patriots quarterbacks have been splitting reps “for a little bit of time here.”

“Not too bad,” Jones said if that has been any different. “I think everybody has to get the chance to get reps. …

“Just trying to take advantage of my reps when I go in there, and when I don’t get the reps, just go off to the side and throw with receivers or an equipment manager. Just make sure I’m getting all of the throws that I need.”

An interception from Jones precipitated his benching. Zappe’s own interception to end the game only makes Belichick’s decision this week more complicated. Despite Jones’ struggles this season, he’s still been better than Zappe in games and on the practice field.

Jones and Zappe split reps during a portion of practice open to the media Tuesday.

The Patriots also have third-stringer Will Grier on the 53-man roster and undrafted rookie wide receiver/quarterback Malik Cunningham on the practice squad. Grier and Cunningham both sat out during those early passing reps.

Zappe has yet to speak to reporters this week. Grier said Tuesday afternoon that he was appreciative of getting first-team reps in practice last week during the Patriots’ bye.

Belichick said that was “an opportunity to kind of give the guys who didn’t play as much an opportunity to run more of our stuff.”

Jones had a promising rookie season playing under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels but has since regressed in Years 2 and 3. Matt Patricia and Joe Judge split coordinator/quarterbacks coach duties last season. Bill O’Brien took over as offensive coordinator this year. Jones was expected to return to his rookie-year form under O’Brien, but that has not been the case.

He’s led the Patriots to a 2-8 record while completing 65.4% of his passes for 2,031 yards with 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He’s been one of the NFL’s least efficient passers this season based on his QBR and expected points added (EPA) per play metrics.

Jones underwent an X-ray after last Sunday’s loss but was only dealing with a bruise.

“I feel good,” Jones said Wednesday. “Obviously when you play a half a season, there’s some bumps and bruises, but overall I feel pretty good. Definitely working through some things but everyone is, right? We have a great training staff here that does a great job of getting us ready for the game. I really appreciate those guys.”

The Patriots were not required to release an injury report after Tuesday’s practice. Wednesday’s injury report will indicate whether Jones has been limited in any way.

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