REPORT: Patriots Will Start Bailey Zappe vs Chargers, Mac Jones Benched

The Patriots have finally pulled the plug on Mac Jones.

According to The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, the Patriots “will indeed” start Bailey Zappe on Sunday agains the Los Angeles Chargers. Jones is also “unlikely to play” barring a mid-game change, Howe reports.

It’s still unclear where Jones’ stands on the depth chart with Malik Cunningham also getting heavy run in practice.

Patriots QB Bailey Zappe will indeed start Sunday against the Chargers, per sources. There’s also a package of plays for QB/WR Malik Cunningham. Mac Jones is unlikely to play, unless circumstances change during the game. https://t.co/BbTo4T67eN

— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) December 1, 2023

The change comes after a miserable 11 games for Jones, who’s been benched in two straight games and four total times this season.

Jones was most recently benched at halftime in the Patriots’ 10-7 loss to the Giants on the road and it seems like the move is permanent.