Rough week for Patriots quarterback Mac Jones continues

Mac Jones’ week started with the offense struggling during a loss to the Dolphins, with Jones suffering an injury to his back which required x-rays. Now the Patriots second-year quarterback is absent from Thursday’s practice as he deals with an illness.

In times of COVID, any player missing time from practice due to illness is an immediate cause for concern but according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Jones’ illness is not COVID-related. Jones reported with an upset stomach and the team wanted to give him a day to heal.

Jones’ x-rays after the game on Sunday were negative and during yesterday’s press conference, Jones said his back was feeling good and he would be on the field in Pittsburgh.

"“Everything feels good. Just keeping it [the back] warm and throwing the football.”"

Jones was listed as a full participant at Wednesday’s practice, which is usually an install day, but missing today is not great for a Patriots offense that needs all of the practice time that they can get. Especially facing a defense such as the Steelers, it would not be great if Jones misses more time or cannot go on Sunday.

This leaves veteran Brian Hoyer and rookie Bailey Zappe as the only quarterbacks at practice today. Hoyer has started one game in his Patriots career, a disastrous Monday night game in Kansas City during the 2020 season. He did start against Pittsburgh in 2019 as a member for the Indianapolis Colts and had a successful afternoon, going 17/26 for 168 yards, three touchdowns and an interception.

Also absent from practice according to Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal were practice squad members Cameron McGrone, LaBryan Ray, and Bill Murray. According to a source, it is feared McGrone suffered a significant knee injury during practice last week in Palm Beach.