Fans of Bailey Zappe can rejoice since it is not anticipated that the New England Patriots will field their starting lineup when the New York Giants visit Foxborough on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Gillette Stadium.
But anyone eager to witness how Mac Jones, new receiver DeVante Parker, and the Patriots’ new offence perform in a real game will have to wait until at least the following week, when New England holds joint workouts and then plays a practise game against the Carolina Panthers.
The news was reported by ESPN’s Mike Reiss, who tweeted:
“QB Mac Jones and most Patriots starters aren’t expected to play in tonight’s preseason opener, sources tell me and @DanGrazianoESPN Joint practices against the Panthers next week, then the Raiders the following week.”
The Patriots’ fourth-round draught choice from Western Kentucky, Zappe, and the seasoned backup Brian Hoyer will split time at quarterback without Jones.
