Report: Bailey Zappe will start as QB for the New England Patriots in Week 5
With Mac Jones injured and Brian Hoyer out for four weeks, Bill Belichick will use rookie Bailey Zappe as the starting quarterback against the Lions.
As a result of Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer missing action due to injuries, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will have to resort to a rookie quarterback for the third time since joining the Pats in 2000.
According to Jordan Schultz of The Score, Bailey Zappe will be New England’s starter for the Week 5 game against the Detroit Lions.
“He’s had more practice time, which is good for a quarterback, plus it helps with timing and communication,” Belichick said of Zappe in recent days. “He’s definitely making progress. More experience and opportunities.“
Zappe will get his first career start as Mac Jones recovers from a sprained ankle that has sidelined him for the second week in a row. Additionally, Brian Hoyer was placed on injured reserve following a concussion- the veteran will be inactive for at least four weeks.
The 23-year-old QB saw activity in the Week 4 game against the Packers and threw for 10 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown.
READ ALSO:
With no QB on the roster besides Zappe, Patriots signed Garrett Gilbert to their practice squad. The four-year veteran is expected to serve as a backup next Sunday.
Special place in the Belichick era
Zappe, a fourth-round draft pick in 2022 out of Western Kentucky, is only the third rookie QB to have a Patriots start under Belichick. The other quarterbacks to start a game in their first year as pros were Jacoby Brissett and Mac Jones.