FOXBORO — Bill Belichick had one more surprise up his sleeve in what could have been his last game as Patriots head coach.

The Patriots made Mac Jones, who was the team’s Week 1 starter, inactive as an emergency third quarterback in Sunday’s season finale, which they lost 17-3 to the Jets. It was the first time Jones had been inactive all season.

“Nathan had a good week of practice, so we activated him for the second spot,” Belichick said after the 17-3 loss to the Jets.

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It was not a major surprise to see Jones demoted to third string based on how practice reps were divvied up throughout the week, according to a source. Beyond Rourke’s performance in practice, there was no reason given for why Jones was passed on the quarterback depth chart.

Rourke was claimed off waivers from the Jaguars after Week 15. He was the team’s emergency third QB in Weeks 16 and 17 but didn’t see any action with the Patriots.

Jones is under contract through the 2024 season. The Patriots have to decide after the season whether or not they’re going to pick up his fifth-year option that would extend him through the 2025 season. Based on how the last two years have gone, that seems unlikely.

Jones has an 8-17 record as a starter over the last two seasons. He completed 64.9% of his passes for 2,120 yards with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions this season.

Bailey Zappe, who started the Patriots’ final six weeks of the season, was 2-4 as a starter this year.