New England Patriots Quarterback Avoids Major Injury

The New England Patriots dodged a bullet. NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero shared that quarterback Mac Jones back injury shouldn't affect him in the long-term and that he even has a chance to play in Week 2:

#Patriots QB Mac Jones is believed to have been suffering from back spasms, sources say. X-Rays were negative, per @TomPelissero, and there is a chance Jones plays this week. Overall, a very positive outcome. pic.twitter.com/794yYPBBpT
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2022

The sky appeared to be falling for a moment after the Patriots announced Jones had hurt his back in the team's humbling 20-7 loss to the division rival Miami Dolphins. Jones took several hard hits in the game, including a sack/fumble that led to a return touchdown for the Dolphins. If he isn't ready to go for Week 2, the Patriots will turn to veteran backup Brian Hoyer, who sports a 16-23 record across his 13-year career.

The good news on Jones' injury shouldn't be too much of a comfort to a Patriots team that confirmed their fans' worst fears in the season opener. After an offseason of skepticism over controversial decision on offense, the team stumbled badly against a Dolphins team that allowed the 16th-most points in the league last year. In Week 2, they'll face a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that just crushed last year's AFC Champions the Cincinnati Bengals. If Jones can't go, the Patriots might find themselves in an 0-2 hole to start the season