With the final week of the NFL preseason upon us, how likely are we to see Mac Jones play in the New England Patriots‘ third and final preseason contest? The Patriots take on the Tennessee Titans on Friday night, so what are Jones’ chances of suiting up?
Will Mac Jones Play in Third Preseason Game?
While Jones saw action last week against the Green Bay Packers, there is a growing sentiment around those who cover the Patriots that the team may opt to sit him this time around. Jones, after all, did take a beating last week behind a make-shift offensive line.
New England head coach Bill Belichick values reps and situational football, so for the legendary coach to lean this way with his starting QB is a telling sign about the confidence (or lack thereof) he has for his reserve offensive linemen.
How To Watch New England Patriots at Tennessee Titans
- Start time: 8 p.m. ET
- Channel: NFL Network and NFL+
Who Will Play Instead of Mac Jones?
The Patriots currently have four quarterbacks on the roster. With Jones expected to not play tonight, we will see a heavy dose of the other three in the preseason finale.
The presumed first-up will be second-year quarterback Bailey Zappe. Zappe quietly has fans within the organization and the fanbase who feel he is a more than capable quarterback. While the job isn’t his in 2023, the NFL is a funny place, and things can change year to year. Zappe’s progression is one worth monitoring.
After Zappe for the Patriots is former Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley. McSorley signed with New England this past offseason after spending 2022 in Arizona with the Cardinals. McSorley looks to be the frontrunner for the QB3 position, but there’s a young, intriguing prospect behind him that makes it less than a sure thing right now.
That intriguing player behind McSorley is rookie Malik Cunningham out of the University of Louisville. Cunningham went undrafted but has shown the ability in camp to do many things — quarterback just being one of them.
MORE: Is Ryan Tannehill Playing Today? Titans QB To Play in Preseason Finale?
The Patriots have used Cunningham on special teams and as a wide receiver at times throughout camp. Keeping him around as the third QB just to use him as a Taysom Hill type of player would be classic Belichick. What ends up happening remains to be seen, but thus far, Cunningham has made an impression on the organization with his versatility.
