Patch Patriots Roundup: Mac Jones To Start Sunday Against Jets

FOXBOROUGH, MA — What a week, huh?

There hasn't been a real quarterback controversy in New England since the Bledsoe-Brady days, but it seems like over the last few weeks there was one brewing.

It looked like it all came to a head on Monday when Mac Jones was pulled from his return to live action after throwing an interception that maybe hit a camera wire. Bailey Zappe came in to raucous applause ... and then threw two interceptions as the Pats got demolished by the Chicago Bears and one of the NFL's worst rosters.

Head coach Bill Belichick was mum earlier in the week about who he'd ride with at quarterback, but a decision was made on Thursday and Mac Jones will start against the Jets in New York — err — New Jersey.

Here's what to know:

Mac Is Back ... For Real This Time?

Jones completed 3 of 6 passes on Monday night for under 20 yards and an interception. It wasn't the best start, but it's hard to say he was given much of a chance after a few weeks off the field.

On Thursday, Belichick said he'd roll with last year's first-round pick during Sunday's divisional matchup with the Jets.

"Mac took a full workload," Belichick shared about Wednesday's practice. "I expect him to be fully available here for the game, ready to go."

Belichick noted that he felt Jones was ready to go on Monday as well, but just not for a full game. We'll see on Sunday whether Jones has healed enough from his high ankle sprain to go for four quarters.

Injuries

Three starters didn't practice on Thursday in center David Andrews, defensive tackle Christian Barmore and safety Kyle Dugger.

Andrews is in concussion protocol after a blindside hit against the Bears on Monday, which resulted in Bears' defensive lineman Mike Pennel getting kicked out of the game.

Barmore is nursing a knee injury he picked up against Cleveland, while Dugger tweaked his ankle making a tackle against Chicago.

Running Back Duo Getting Split Up?

Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus is reporting that the Patriots are fielding calls about running back Damien Harris ahead of the Nov. 1 trade deadline.

Harris is part of one of the best young running back duos in the league, but is coming off an injury while his backfield mate Rhamondre Stevenson has stepped up and, potentially, earned a bulk of the carries moving forward.

Kyed reports that teams are also inquiring about safety Jabrill Peppers, as well as wide receivers Jakobi Meyers, DeVante Parker, Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne.

Odds and Ends

Kickoff: Sunday, Oct. 30, 1 p.m.

Network: CBS

Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub

Weather Forecast: Sunny, with a high near 62. Light and variable wind.