Report: Mac Jones to start Week 8 vs. Jets

Quarterback Mac Jones will start the New England Patriots' Week 8 matchup against the New York Jets, a source told ESPN's Field Yates.

Jones took the bulk of Wednesday's first-team practice reps in preparation, Yates reports.

The sophomore passer was benched during Monday's blowout loss to the Chicago Bears in favor of rookie Bailey Zappe. It was Jones' first action since he suffered an ankle injury in Week 3.

Zappe started two games while Jones was sidelined and also relieved an injured Brian Hoyer in a Week 3 overtime defeat to the Green Bay Packers. Zappe completed 51 of 70 attempts for 596 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception in those three appearances.

He then added 14 completions on 22 attempts for 185 yards, a touchdown, and two picks after replacing Jones on Monday night.

Jones' numbers this season haven't matched Zappe's, as the 24-year-old completed 67 of 103 passes for 799 yards and two touchdowns against six interceptions in four starts.

Despite Zappe's better statistical output, Jones is just one year removed from being drafted in the first round. Jones had a strong rookie campaign in which the team went 10-7 and made the playoffs.

Head coach Bill Belichick wouldn't name a starter immediately following the Week 7 loss. He again declined on Wednesday, only saying, "We'll see how it goes."