The Patriots have released Hoyer, Field Yates of ESPN reports.
What it means:
Following the release of Hoyer, Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe are the two quarterbacks currently on the Patriots' roster. Now that he's presumably past the concussion that landed him on IR last season, the 37-year-old Hoyer could potentially land a backup gig ahead of the coming season.
Hoyer (concussion) is expected to be released by the Patriots before March 15, Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald reports.
What it means:
It's a bit of a surprising move given the Patriots wouldn't actually save any money by releasing the long-time veteran. Given the relative youth of both Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe, the expected two remaining QBs on the roster, it's entirely possible New England could opt to add an additional veteran if Hoyer is released as has been reported.
The Patriots have placed Hoyer (concussion) on IR, Field Yates of ESPN reports.
What it means:
Now that Hoyer is slated to miss the next four games, the Patriots approach Week 5 action with Mac Jones iffy with an ankle injury, with Bailey Zappe thus in line to start at QB in Jones' place is he's unavailable Sunday versus the Lions. Meanwhile, Garrett Gilbert is a candidate to be elevated from the team's practice squad in advance of the contest.
Brian Hoyer (concussion) still not practicing for Patriots
What it means:
New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer (concussion) did not practice again on Thursday.
Hoyer started last week in place of Mac Jones (ankle) and was then knocked out with a concussion. It doesn't look like Hoyer will clear protocol in time, but Jones returned to practice and is trending toward playing in Sunday's Week 5 game against the Detroit Lions. Rookie Bailey Zappe will make his first career start if Jones and Hoyer both wind up being inactive.
The Lions have the fourth-worst pass defense and second-worst overall defense in numberFire's advanced team rankings. They are also allowing the most FanDuel points per game to the quarterback position through four weeks, but Jones is only averaging 14.0 FanDuel points per contest and he's 21st out of 30 qualified quarterbacks in Passing Net Expected Points per drop back.
Hoyer (concussion) remained sidelined during Thursday's practice, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.
What it means:
Mac Jones (ankle), who was limited Wednesday, was present for Thursday's practice, but his status for Sunday's game against the Lions has yet to be cemented. Friday's injury report will reveal whether Jones and/or Hoyer will head into the weekend with a chance to play in Week 5, but if neither are available rookie Bailey Zappe would be in line to fill in as the Patriots' starting QB versus Detroit.
Hoyer (concussion) wasn't spotted at practice Wednesday, Evan Lazar of the Patriots' official site reports.
What it means:
Fellow QB Mac Jones (ankle) was present for the session, but it's unclear if he'll be available for Sunday's game against the Lions. Meanwhile, Hoyer's status for the contest is also uncertain and if neither of New England's top signal-callers are available this weekend, rookie Bailey Zappe would draw the Week 5 start against Detroit.