REPORT: Patriots Could Have A QB Controversy If Bailey Zappe Plays Well And Wins This Week vs Browns

A quarterback controversy in New England?

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport addressed the Patriots’ quarterback situation and wouldn’t rule out a potential quarterback change.

“I believe Mac Jones is the starter, but he had a couple of rough games and tried to do a little too much,” Rapoport said. “Belichick is never going to get ahead of himself, so he’s never going to address it until he has to. He wants to judge the whole product. But let’s say Bailey Zappe goes out and wins this week and looks really good, it’s gonna get interesting. I think Mac Jones is the starter but it’s not a slam dunk.”

"I think Mac Jone is the starter but if Bailey Zappe looks really good & wins this week.. it's gonna get interesting in New England" ~@RapSheet#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/9q6PfpW5O7

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) October 13, 2022

The swelling in Jones’ ankle has “decreased,” and if he does play in Week 6, he’ll still be dealing with some instability that “could be managed in a variety of different ways,” the NFL Network’s Mike Giardi reported.

A quick Mac Jones update. Per sources, if the #Patriots 2nd year QB were to play this weekend, he's be dealing with some instability in that ankle but, depending on how it progresses this week, it *could* be managed in a variety of ways. The swelling, I'm told, has decreased.

— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) October 12, 2022

Mac Jones has 786 passing yards, two passing touchdowns (plus one rushing), and five interceptions through three games this season.