Patriots Rookie QB Likely To Start In Week 5

The New England Patriots are off to a very uncharacteristic start in 2022, going 1-3 through four weeks, but given their lack of weapons and then their tumultuous health at the Quarterback position, it's not too shocking at all. Unfortunately for Patriots fans, that's not going to change in Week 5, as it's very doubtful that second-year QB Mac Jones will be ready to go just two weeks after suffering a high-ankle sprain, and now, it's left to rookie QB Bailey Zappe to make his first career start at the NFL level. 

Patriots’ QB Mac Jones is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game vs. Lions, putting rookie QB Bailey Zappe in line to make his first NFL start.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 7, 2022

New England started veteran Brian Hoyer a week ago, but he left the game with an injury, leading to Zappe's first action in the NFL, and after placing Hoyer on Injured Reserve, the team was hoping Jones could get through practice and return against the Detroit Lions.

While Jones practiced, the team don't seem confident he can go at 100%, meaning that young Zappe, the 2022 fourth round pick will be making his first career start in Week 5. Detroit possess the No. 32 ranked defence in the league in 2022, but the offence ranks No. 1, meaning that if New England want to succeed with Zappe under centre, they'll need to keep pace with an electrifying offensive unit.

Photo Credit:  Samantha Madar/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK