Being in quarterback limbo isn’t the only trouble plaguing New England’s Mac Jones.
The support for the embattled third-year quarterback appears to be dwindling, according to The Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan, who reported a “‘vast majority’ of players are done” with Jones, 25.
“One team source estimated that at least 80% of the Patriots’ locker room is out on Jones. Another said the ‘vast majority’ of players are done with him,” Callahan reported Wednesday, with the sources alleging, “the lack of belief spreads to both sides of the ball.”
Jones, a former first-round pick, was benched for the third time this season in Sunday’s 10-6 loss to the Colts in Germany.
The former Alabama product went 15-for-20 with 170 yards and a critical interception, with backup quarterback Bailey Zappe entering the game with less than two minutes remaining.
Zappe has not impressed this season in his limited opportunities, completing 10-of-25 passes for 104 yards and an interception.
Head coach Bill Belichick did not confirm Tuesday if Jones is still the starter.
“We have a lot of things to work on this week as a team. We’ll work through those,” Belichick said at a press conference. “That’s what we are going to do this week.”
Much like Belichick, some of Jones’ teammates have offered cryptic responses on the topic of the signal caller.
When “asked if the team could benefit from a change at quarterback,” Callahan said running back Ezekiel Elliott responded, “I don’t know.”
It’s been a challenging year for Jones, who was named to the Pro Bowl and made the playoffs in his rookie season in 2021.
Through 10 games, Jones has thrown 10 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.
As the Patriots enter their bye week at 2-8, there’s been speculation if changes could be coming to the organization.
Belichick, who won six Super Bowls in New England, has fielded constant questions about job security.
“Well, I just do the best I can every day,” Belichick said after Sunday’s loss.
With seven games remaining, starting with a Nov. 26 matchup against the 2-8 Giants, it remains to be seen which Patriots quarterback will be under center come kickoff.
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