Bailey Zappe News

The 2022 fourth-rounder saw two starts as a rookie when Mac Jones was sidelined by an ankle injury and didn't look out of place in doing so. Looking ahead, Zappe is line to reprise his backup role behind Jones next season, while veteran signal caller Brian Hoyer is also under contract with the team through 2023.

Mac Jones reportedly took 90 percent of the first-team reps in practice Wednesday, two days after he was pulled in favor of Zappe in the second quarter of an eventual 33-14 loss to the Bears. Zappe got off to a quick start but then struggled after halftime, and it seems Jones' ankle is feeling better heading into Week 8.

Zappe entered the game early in the second quarter in relief of the benched Mac Jones. Zappe immediately jumpstarted the New England offense, throwing for a 30-yard touchdown on his first possession while connecting on a 43-yard completion to DeVante Parker to set up another score on New England's next drive. However, Zappe cooled off considerably in the second half, completing only nine of his 16 passes for 76 yards to go along with both of his picks. Even so, he appears to have performed well enough to be considered for a Week 8 start against the Jets, and he may have created a genuine quarterback controversy in New England.

While Jones is back following a three-game absence due to a high left-ankle sprain, it isn't out of the question that Zappe will be a part of the game plan Week 7, according to Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site. Leading the Patriots to a 2-1 record in place of Jones, Zappe completed 73 percent of his passes for 596 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. If he mixes into the offense Monday, though, Zappe seems likely to have a limited snap count, if any.

The rookie's remarkable starting run continued in fine fashion Sunday, with Zappe setting new career highs in completions, pass attempts, passing yards and touchdown passes. Zappe's one turnover came on a strip sack by Myles Garrett late in the first quarter in New England territory, but the Patriots defense was subsequently up to the task by turning the Browns over on downs in the ensuing possession. Zappe's tenure under center may be coming to an end for now with Mac Jones (ankle) ostensibly having a good chance of returning for a Week 7 Monday night home battle against the Bears, but he's arguably shown enough to perhaps keep the No. 2 job even when Brian Hoyer (IR-concussion) is healthy enough to return.

In the Patriots' 29-0 win over the Lions last weekend, Zappe completed 17 of 21 passes for 188 yards with one TD and a pick. In his second straight start, the 2022 fourth-rounder is a speculative fantasy play, though he is an option for those who might otherwise rely on Jones, are in need of a bye week plug-in or who could use some short-term depth in QB-heavy formats.