Mac is back.
After missing three games due to a high right ankle sprain, New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is expected to start Monday night’s game against the visiting Chicago Bears, NFL Network’s Mike Giardi reported.
Jones was questionable coming into Monday, but had been pining to play for some time, Giardi previously reported.
Jones, taken at No. 15 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, was injured in a Week 3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and it was initially unclear if surgery would be required.
In Jones’ absence, veteran Brian Hoyer originally took on the starting role, but he too was lost to injury when he was concussed in a Week 4 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Thereafter, rookie Bailey Zappe took over under center and quarterbacked the Pats to consecutive victories.
Jones’ remedied ankle has essentially broken “Zappe Fever,” as the 2021 first-rounder will return to the starting lineup and replace the 2022 fourth-rounder.
Though three starts with Jones, the Patriots were 1-2 to start the season with the Alabama product having tallied 786 yards passing, two touchdowns and five interceptions.
The Bears (2-4) and Patriots (3-3) kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET tonight.
