The Patriots suddenly have a quarterback conundrum on their hands.
With Mac Jones hurt, they've gone 2-0 behind Bailey Zappe, who's completed 41 of his 55 passes for 497 yards, three touchdowns, and just one interception.
Perhaps more importantly, the offense seems to be running smoothly under the fourth-round rookie.
While context has to be considered -- Zappe has played the Lions and Browns thus far -- the Patriots have a decision looming.
Mac Jones is getting healthier, and Bill Belichick is doing everything he can to obfuscate the injury status of the 2021 Pro Bowler.
Did Mac Jones do more yesterday than he did a week ago?
Bill Belichick, "He did more yesterday than he did the previous Wednesday.
That would be fair." Even though it is Friday, Bill would like you to know they view today as a Thursday & yesterday as Wednesday b/c football...
MORE: Cardinals' Kyler Murray, Kliff Kingsbury explain heated sideline exchange To make sense of that: The Patriots play on "Monday Night Football," so days are running a day behind for football reasons.
It's nonsense, but whatever helps coaches prepare.
Belichick also declined to name a starter.
According to Mike Reiss , he simply said "we're just taking it day by day" when asked about whether Jones or Zappe would be starting.
The Sporting News is providing updates on who will start on "Monday Night Football." , Jones was once again limited on the Patriots' injury report for Friday.
Doesn't shed light on his status for Monday.
Jonnu Smith was upgraded to full participation today.
Jalen Mills (limited) is back on the injury report, this time with an illness. pic.twitter.com/1my4FSoMTx , Bill Belichick still noncommittal in starter talk, says the Patriots are taking it "day by day." Question: Has a decision been made on who will start at QB?
Bill Belichick (smiling): “We’re just taking it day by day.” pic.twitter.com/9uYok0pwPg , Mac Jones was limited in practice Thursday (Belichick's Wednesday).
First Patriots injury report of the week: -Mac Jones still limited -Mike Onwenu has a new ankle injury -Didn't see Lawrence Guy during the open media portion, but he was listed as limited -Damien Harris was full-go pic.twitter.com/uZuLiMwJZD source