The New England Patriots are now down to their third-string quarterback. Rookie Bailey Zappe entered the game after Brian Hoyer — who was starting in place of the injured Mac Jones — took a hard hit and went to the locker room.
New England Patriots turn to Bailey Zappe
In the first quarter of New England’s Week 4 game against Green Bay, Hoyer was hit by Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary. The veteran quarterback initially went to the blue medical tent before heading to the locker room.
The Patriots have since announced that Hoyer is dealing with a concussion and will not return to today’s game. That means Zappe will be under center for the duration.
Zappe, a fourth-round pick in April’s draft, broke FBS records in 2021. After transferring from Houston Baptist to Western Kentucky, Zappe threw for 5,967 yards and 62 touchdowns, breaking records previously held by Texas Tech’s B.J. Symons and LSU’s Joe Burrow, respectively.
Given his small-school track record and physical limitations, Zappe wasn’t necessarily ready to be thrown into the fire this early. But given that Mac Jones is out with an ankle injury, the Patriots had no other choice.
Jones was reportedly fighting to play today, so it’s possible he’s available as early as Week 5. But for now, Zappe will be forced to play against a talented Packers defense and hope he can pull out a win.