Patriots quarterback Mac Jones lost his starting job to Bailey Zappe after being benched on four separate occasions this season, but offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien didn’t close the door on the possibility of the Alabama product gaining the top role back.

The Patriots are 1-2 with Zappe as the starter, and they began the season 2-9 with Jones under center.

Related Articles

Patriots up-and-coming assistant has head coaching aspirations

Why Patriots still have confidence in kicker Chad Ryland despite rookie struggles

Patriots-Chiefs film review: How Pats went from hot start to getting out-coached

Patriots lose starting O-lineman for rest of the season

Patriots expected to sign ex-Bucs third-round pick to fill running back depth

“I think everybody’s gotta be ready to play, especially in the situation we’re in. I really do,” O’Brien said Tuesday on a video conference call. “I think that everybody has to be ready to go. Anybody that’s on the 53-man roster has to go out on the practice field and practice well and earn a shot to play. That’s whether you’re a quarterback, wide receiver, tight end, running back or offensive lineman.

“I know you’ve heard that from Bill (Belichick), but that’s the truth. You have to be ready to go, because if you practice really well, you’re going to have a real shot to play. I think that goes for every position.”

Zappe played well in the first half of the Patriots’ Week 14 win over the Steelers and their Week 15 loss to the Chiefs. But he fell apart in the second half with interceptions in both games.

Jones actually ranks higher than Zappe in both expected points added (EPA) per play and QBR.