The Patriots are in an unfortunate reality where starting quarterback Mac Jones will likely miss Sunday’s game against the Packers due to injury.
According to reports, Jones suffered a “severe” high-ankle sprain that could cause him to miss multiple games. Jones told reporters he’s taking things “day-by-day” and receiving treatment, but many players who receive his diagnosis have surgery to repair the damage.
Although we’ll avoid laying out a timetable for Jones’s return, the feeling during Tuesday’s availability with the offensive coaching staff is that the team is preparing for backup Brian Hoyer to start on Sunday.
The 14-year veteran last started a game for the Patriots in an emergency start during the height of COVID-19 in 2020. Starting quarterback Cam Newton was diagnosed with the coronavirus a day before New England’s contest against the Kansas City Chiefs, and Hoyer got the nod two days later in a difficult situation.
Without a week to prepare, Hoyer and the Patriots offense struggled in a 24-10 loss to the Chiefs. An injury to your starting quarterback is never a good thing, but at least Hoyer will go through a normal game week as projected QB1 from a preparation standpoint this time.
On Tuesday, Senior Football Advisor Matt Patricia and quarterbacks coach Joe Judge spoke about Hoyer’s skill set and how they’ll build a game plan around their backup quarterback.
“Hoyer is great to be around. His experience, his knowledge, the way he sees the game, and the mental preparation that he does as he’s trying to get ready to be in his role through the course of the first three weeks of the season is really impressive. I love when you can get around a great veteran player like Hoyer and pick his brain,” Patricia said. “If you love football, those are great guys to talk to, whether it’s coverage, how they see the front, their thoughts and ideas on routes, and even leadership.”
The Patriots offensive coaches acknowledged that catering to Hoyer’s strengths will be…
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