NFL Rumors: Patriots' QB Jones To Start Sunday

The New England Patriots are currently going through quite the quarterback controversy, but Mac Jones will reportedly start for the team on Sunday vs. the New York Jets, sources told ESPN's Field Yates.

Jones took 90 percent of the first team reps in practice on Wednesday, Yates adds. This would be quite the indicator in who will start for New England ahead of Week 8.

Jones returned to the starting lineup following a three-game absence due to an ankle injury on MNF against the Chicago Bears, but was quickly benched for rookie QB Bailey Zappe after throwing an interception in the first quarter.

Zappe had previously led the Boston club to a 2-0 record following Jones' injury and the home crowd in Foxborough seemed ecstatic when Zappe appeared in the game over Jones.

Bailey Zappe chants breaking out in New England 😨

(via @BabzOnTheMic)pic.twitter.com/oI3hY1E2Ny
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 25, 2022

Zappe, a fourth-rounder in this year's draft, led his club with back-to-back touchdown drives after entering the field, but ultimately would end his campaign with two interceptions and a 33-14 loss.

Patriots' head coach Bill Belichick insisted Jones was not benched and would have returned to the game in the second half if the score had been closer. Their could be merit to his claims if Jones does indeed start for his club on Sunday.

Belichick revealed in his postgame presser that he intended to play both quarterbacks ahead of MNF and informed them of his plan before kickoff. Jones coming off a left high ankle sprain and playing for the first time since Sept. 25 were both factors in his decision.

Whether either quarterback gets the starting nod, their upcoming matchup versus their divisional rival Jets (5-2) is critical for the Patriots, who currently sit at last place in the AFC East with a record of 3-4.