NFL Rumors: Patriots Could Start Third-String Quarterback in Week 5

The New England Patriots could be down their top two quarterbacks for their Week 5 matchup against the Detroit Lions. Pro Football Network's Aaron Wilson reports the team intends to proceed with Bailey Zappe at quarterback this Sunday.

A source told @AaronWilson_NFL that Bailey Zappe is "definitely ready to go” and “didn’t look out of place at all" last week.

How the #Patriots are expected to proceed at QB ⤵️https://t.co/kBhq0tNs6J
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 6, 2022

Zappe played in relief during the Patriots' Week 4 loss to the Green Bay Packers due to a first-half concussion suffered by veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer. Hoyer had been starting as an injury replacement for second-year quarterback Mac Jones, who suffered a high-ankle sprain in the team's Week 3 defeat at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens. It's likely neither is ready for Week 5.

Zappe didn't distinguish himself in his limited play in Week 4. He netted a mere 75 passing yards on his 18 dropbacks and lost a fumble. Perhaps he'll benefit from a week's worth of starter's reps in practice.

Bailey Zappe on making his NFL debut, and how his teammates helped him stay calm under pressure 🗣️@baileyzappe04 pic.twitter.com/cx2TKeckm1
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) October 3, 2022

Zappe joined the Patriots as their 137th pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. The 6-1, 220-pound passer won Conference USA's Most Valuable Player in 2021 on the back of a colossal 5967-yard, 62-touchdown passing season for Western Kentucky, but the NFL presents a massive leap in competition for the 23-year-old. Barring the unexpected, Week 5 could be the last we see of the young quarterback for a while.