Latest On Mac Jones' Status For Week 2
By Jason Hall
September 15, 2022
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones reportedly missed Thursday's (September 15) practice due to an illness, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.
"#Patriots QB Mac Jones is not practicing today due to illness," Pelissero tweeted. "My understanding is it's not believed to be COVID-related -- Jones just had an upset stomach so they decided to give him the day off."
Jones' absence comes days after he experienced back spasms during Sunday's (September 11) 20-7 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 1.
NFL Network Senior Insider Ian Rapoport reports X-rays were negative and Jones could play in the Patriots' Week 2 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Additionally, Jones told reporters he felt better on Monday (September 12) and wants to be able to play in Week 2, according to Rapoport.
#Patriots QB Mac Jones is not practicing today due to illness.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 15, 2022
My understanding is it's not believed to be COVID-related -- Jones just had an upset stomach so they decided to give him the day off.
"Definitely feel better. I want to be able to be ready to play against Pittsburgh and I feel good." https://t.co/bbO8O42XJm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2022
Jones finished Sunday's game with 213 yards, one touchdown and one interception on 21-of-30 passing, having been sacked twice, including a blindside hit in the second quarter that resulted in a fumble recovered and returned for a touchdown by Miami.
Jones was also hit high and low by multiple Dolphins players on a roughing-the-passer play in the fourth-quarter, which ESPN Patriots beat reporter Mike Reiss said several reporters in the media interview room believed could have been when the back injury took place.
Some in the media interview room last night were discussing which play Mac Jones might have injured his back.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 12, 2022
This fourth-quarter play, in which officials threw a roughing-the-passer flag, was in the discussion.
Hit high, and low, and lands on back. pic.twitter.com/V3yREhF6Ss
The Patriots have lost four consecutive games to the Dolphins in their biannual AFC East Division matchup.
New England will face the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Week 2.