Tag Archives: New England Patriots

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Six NFL trades we’d love to see: Bradley Chubb to Cowboys, Brandin Cooks to Packers

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The biggest name is already off the NFL trade market, with the 49ers landing running back Christian McCaffrey last week. And the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs each made splashes this week, with Philadelphia adding Bears pass-rusher Robert Quinn to an already impressive defense, and the Chiefs acquiring the electric Kadarius Toney from the Giants.

But plenty of intrigue remains as Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline draws near.

A number of anticipated contenders have faltered during the initial stretch of the season. These teams might look to the trade market to help themselves get back on track.

So, as we wait to see how things unfold, we’re kicking around ideas on deals that may or may not happen — but, in our opinion, should.

The Athletic’s Jeff Howe and Mike Jones came up three proposals apiece. One writer details why each deal makes sense, and the other explains why it might not.

Mike Jones’ three trade proposals

Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks to Packers for fifth-round pick

Jones’ why: Aaron Rodgers and the Packers desperately miss Davante Adams, and there’s no one on the trade market who can fully fill those shoes. But right now, Rodgers badly needs a veteran wide receiver who understands the concepts of the offense and where he is expected to be at all times. Cooks — stranded in Houston, where the Texans will likely vie for the top pick of the draft — can help. He played in the same offense for Packers coach Matt LaFleur’s good buddy Sean McVay while a member of the Rams in 2018 and 2019 (LaFleur served as the Rams’ offensive coordinator in 2017). At 29, Cooks still has plenty left in the tank while coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. In all, Cooks has topped the 1,000-yard mark in six of the last seven seasons during stops in New Orleans, New England, L.A. and Houston. While some wide receivers struggle to find comfort with a new team midseason, Cooks would have a good chance of making a near-instant impact.

Howe’s why not: The last time the Packers traded for a wide receiver, it involved Rodgers’ friend Randall Cobb. Part of the Packers’ offensive problems this season has been Rodgers’ lack of trust with the young receivers. So the question is whether Rodgers and Cooks can create enough immediate chemistry to make a tangible difference, with the Packers essentially in win-now mode for the final 10 games. That doesn’t mean Green Bay should wave the white flag and ignore all potential receiver acquisitions, but there should be some level of skepticism involved.

GO DEEPER

Vic’s Picks, Week 8: Aaron Rodgers has a point about the Packers

Patriots offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn to Rams for middle-round pick

Jones’ why: The defending Super Bowl champion Rams have struggled a good deal this season, and a lot of that has to do with injuries along their offensive line. Through six games, Matthew Stafford has been sacked 22 times (third-highest total in the league), and the Rams average just 70.5 rushing yards per game (31st in the NFL). After losing left tackle Joe Noteboom to a torn Achilles tendon last week, the Rams’ sense of urgency to fortify the line ratcheted up that much more. Wynn, the 23rd pick of the 2018 draft, spent the last three seasons at left tackle for New England but fell out of favor with the coaching staff. A trade to the Rams could benefit all parties involved.

Howe’s why not: Wynn is having his worst season in New England, although it’s fair to wonder how much the move to right tackle has thrown him off. But even with that in mind, the Patriots would have to be comfortable with Marcus Cannon and Yodny Cajuste at right tackle for the final 10 games. They also have to operate under the likelihood left tackle Trent Brown will miss time, as he hasn’t made it through a full season since 2018 (one of just two times in his eight-year career that’s happened). With the Patriots’ QB situation off the rails at the moment, a move that depletes the offensive line — regardless of how Patriots fans feel about Wynn — may not be in their best interest.

Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to Ravens for two middle-round picks

Jones’ why: There’s no way the Ravens will keep pace with the Chiefs and the Bills if they don’t get Lamar Jackson some more consistent and impactful weapons. Jeudy, who has averaged 17 yards or better per catch in two of his three NFL seasons, definitely helps fill this need. Jeudy has been mentioned as a potential target for Green Bay, but the Packers brass and Rodgers may prefer a veteran. The Giants and Rams also have been mentioned as potential destinations for Jeudy, but Baltimore and Jackson need someone like him in the worst way.

GO DEEPER

NFL trade deadline picks for all 32 teams: Jerry Jeudy, Cam Akers and more

Howe’s why not: I’m all in on this one. I can’t even give a “why not.” The Ravens’ offense has a heavy emphasis on game-breaking plays, either with Jackson or the athletic skill players, and Jeudy would add to that. It could also be a nice negotiating tactic for general manager Eric DeCosta to show Jackson they’ll make moves to improve the offensive talent around him. Jeudy hasn’t taken off in Denver, but who really has since he got there in 2020? He has made a handful of plays that validated the talent the football world saw from him at Alabama, and he’d have a terrific chance to resurrect that potential in Baltimore.


The Lions seem unlikely to trade tight end T.J. Hockenson. But would a first-round pick get a deal done? (Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA Today)

Jeff Howe’s three trade proposals

Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson to Bucs for 2023 first-round pick, 2024 fourth-round pick

Howe’s why: OK, so there’s no reason to believe Hockenson is on the trade block, but this would be a tough offer for the Lions to ignore. They already have the inside track on a top-five pick with their own draft selection, which should be used on a quarterback, and another first-rounder from the Rams. Throw in a third opening-round pick, and the Lions would control the draft board. Maybe they’d even get lucky enough to get a quarterback and — possibly through another trade — Alabama pass rusher Will Anderson to pair up with Aidan Hutchinson. For the Bucs, their offensive issues can’t be traced to a singular spot, but the lack of a star-caliber tight end certainly hasn’t helped. Hockenson is under contract through his fifth-year option in 2023, so that’s important, too. Aside from getting their offense going as soon as possible, the Bucs also have to be thinking about Tom Brady’s future. Brady, an impending free agent who can’t be tagged, could simply choose to retire, or maybe he’ll be concerned that the offense can’t be fixed in its current state and look to play elsewhere. It’s conceivable the addition of Hockenson could play a part in swaying that decision.

Jones’ why not: That’s a steep price, and considering that they may have to use a first-rounder on a quarterback next season, I don’t see the Bucs forking over that much. Yes, a tight end of Hockenson’s caliber would help. But not at that price.

Broncos linebacker Bradley Chubb to Cowboys for 2023 and 2024 third-round pick

Howe’s why: The Cowboys boast the league’s most tenacious defense, and Chubb might be the most dangerous defender on the trade block. Dallas will remain as dangerous as Micah Parsons allows them to be, but the addition of Chubb would create yet another headache for opposing offenses. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn could build the pass rush around DeMarcus Lawrence, Dorance Armstrong and Chubb, then give Parsons even more freedom to move around. As for the Broncos, Chubb is still worth building around, but their defense will remain solid regardless and they need to recoup draft assets after the Russell Wilson trade. If they don’t believe Chubb will sign an extension after the season — or if they believe he’ll exceed their budget — it makes sense to move him now.

GO DEEPER

Broncos players on Bradley Chubb trade talk: ‘Hope he’s with us for a long time’

Jones’ why not: Man, an already beastly Cowboys defense gets even more dangerous, huh? I like it, but there could be even more desperate teams in pursuit of Chubb. One? The Rams, who still badly miss Von Miller and would like to add a pass-rusher at the deadline. They don’t have a first-round pick to dangle, but they do have a second- and a third-rounder in 2023.

Falcons center Matt Hennessy, Ravens guard Ben Cleveland, Bengals guard Jackson Carman, Patriots right tackle Isaiah Wynn, Eagles left tackle Andre Dillard to Rams

Falcons receive: 2023 sixth-round pick

Ravens receive: 2023 sixth-round pick

Bengals receive: 2023 seventh-round pick

Patriots receive: 2024 fourth-round pick

Eagles receive: 2024 third-round pick

Howe’s why: We had to search through some old storage closets to find some of the Rams’ spare draft picks, and they do have additional late-round assets due to prior trades. Granted, they might never draft again, but Southern California is a beautiful place to explore in late April anyway. Back on track, no, it’s not realistic to believe the Rams will overhaul their entire offensive line in the middle of the season, but this option exists if they’re willing to go the extremely unconventional route. Their line has let them down during their 3-3 start, and it’s an area that hasn’t gotten enough attention in recent drafts, so they can borrow from future drafts to get themselves heading in a better direction. The Athletic’s beat reporters stockpiled a list of trade candidates last week, and they coincidentally included two tackles, two guards and a center. It all fell into place.

Jones’ why not: Hold up! You just pooh-poohed my Wynn to the Rams idea, so I’m saying absolutely not. Your deal doesn’t work! Haha, in all seriousness, I like the aggressive mindset in completely overhauling the entire offensive line, but I don’t see this happening. I think the Rams would like to address both sides of the ball, and they have only a limited number of draft picks to acquire talent. So, one offensive lineman, yes. And then a pass-rusher, which may require multiple picks to secure.

(Top photo of Brandin Cooks: Cooper Neill / Getty Images)



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Bears vs Patriots: Mac Jones benched mid-game as Chicago scores 23 straight points to beat New England

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CNN
 — 

New England Patriots starting quarterback Mac Jones was benched mid-game in his team’s 33-14 home defeat to the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football.

Jones had missed the past three games with a high ankle sprain but finally returned to the starting line-up to face the Bears.

However, after leading the Patriots to two scoreless drives and throwing an interception, Jones was replaced by Bailey Zappe – the fourth-round rookie who led the team ably in Jones’ absence – in the second quarter. Throughout the game, the crowd in Gillette Stadium could be heard sporadically chanting Zappe’s name.

The 23-year-old Zappe immediately had an impact, leading New England to two back-to-back touchdown drives, including a 30-yard touchdown pass to Jakobi Myers.

However, Zappe did struggle during the contest, losing a fumble and throwing two late interceptions as the Bears turned the screw, scoring 23 straight points to turn the game and take the win.

After the game, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said it was his plan to play both quarterbacks in the game against the Bears and that he was going to put Jones back into the line-up, but the score got “out of hand.”

When asked who the starting quarterback would be in their Week 8 clash with the New York Jets, Belichick declined to comment. “We just finished the game,” he answered with his famous bluntness.

On the other sideline, it was a much more positive evening for the Bears who snapped a three-game losing streak with the victory.

Despite continuing to not throw the ball too much, quarterback Justin Fields and his cast of running backs destroyed the Patriots on the ground, finishing with 243 rushing yards and two touchdowns as a team.

Fields – who has struggled during his first season as the starting quarterback – looked much more composed on Monday, finishing with a passing touchdown, while rushing for another and tossing one interception.

In a style change from previous weeks, the Bears coaching staff implemented more designed runs for Fields to utilize his dynamism and keep the Patriots defense off-kilter.

And it worked as Chicago was able to move the ball up and down against New England, with Khalil Herbert the beneficiary of Fields’ touchdown pass as the Bears’ defense forced three Patriots interceptions by safety Jaquan Brisker, linebacker Roquan Smith and cornerback Kyler Gordon.

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said the change in dynamics with Chicago’s offense was the catalyst for the win.

“I think that creates an issue sometimes for the defense, depending on what defense they’re in,” Eberflus said.

“Certainly, when you have a quarterback that has the designed runs with the run-pass off of it, then also doing some things just to have the ability to scramble and make first downs, I think that’s a big piece and it’s hard to defend those guys. We’ve all seen them around the league and Justin did a nice job of executing today.”

The Bears improve to 3-4 for the season, while the Patriots fall to the same record.

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Howe: Why Mac Jones’ alleged ‘attitude problem’ is a mischaracterization of Patriots QB

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Don’t misconstrue competitiveness with attitude.

A leaky narrative evolved last week around Patriots quarterback Mac Jones, one that didn’t jibe with anything the team had grown to appreciate about their 2021 first-round pick since they aligned a year and a half ago.

According to some reports, Jones now has an attitude problem and a big ego, and it supposedly clashed with the coaching staff.

Prior to last week, none of these words had ever been used to describe Jones, according to numerous conversations with people from the organization and those close to the quarterback. And since this narrative took on a life of its own last week, all of these characterizations have since been shot down once again by some of those same people.

Now, let’s back it up several years and revisit history to raise a few points.

Jones’s former high school coach, the late Corky Rogers, was notoriously demanding on his quarterbacks, once even threatening to bench Jones after a touchdown pass because Rogers wanted him to throw it elsewhere. They often clashed but in a familial way. The hard coaching wasn’t always welcomed, but it was respected.

Later, Jones passed up other scholarship opportunities to commit to Alabama even though some coaches and advisors couldn’t understand it. The Crimson Tide already had quarterback Jalen Hurts and a commitment from five-star recruit Tua Tagovailoa, so Jones’ chances of ever playing were never guaranteed.

As he was biding his time in Alabama, Jones treated his responsibilities with the scout team like his own versions of games. During one particular run-heavy period against the starting defense that was stacking the line to prepare for an upcoming opponent, Jones kept changing the play at the line, throwing deep and celebrating with his receivers after each big strike.

The defense complained to head coach Nick Saban, who hollered at Jones to knock it off and stick to the script. Jones fired back something to the effect of, “If you don’t like it, tell your defense to stop it!” Saban was fuming on the field, but the Alabama coaches laughed about it after practice.

That story highlighted Jones’ competitive spirit that endeared him to both his Alabama coaches and, eventually, to those in New England, too.

But that’s the type of story that can easily be spun another way. For example: In an effort to boost his own ego — rather than help prepare the defense for their upcoming game — Jones went rogue during practice, calling his own plays and screaming at Saban that his defense should figure out how to stop him.

See how that can work?

As Jones waited for a turn that was never promised, Alabama added uber-recruit Bryce Young to the QB room, but Jones didn’t transfer. He earned the backup job in 2019 and relieved an injured Tagovailoa midway through the season, then he beat out Young for the starting job in 2020. Jones was praised for his persistence throughout that entire process, and that proved to be a big draw for teams that evaluated him prior to the draft. They saw a player who had no ego and felt no entitlement.

This past offseason, Jones dove headfirst into a conditioning program to gain a leaner build. He was routinely one of the first players to arrive at Gillette Stadium, often getting there before coaches. That doesn’t sound like someone who was getting fat and happy after a Pro Bowl appearance in his rookie season.

And as the Patriots worked on a new offensive system — mixing up the playbook and simplifying the language in the post-Josh McDaniels era – Jones was lauded for his collaborative communication. He’d let them know — forcefully, at times — which plays or concepts he did and didn’t like based on their ability to execute them, but all parties involved had a voice in the process.

This was all reported during the offseason, and Jones was largely commended for it. Now, following rookie Bailey Zappe’s sterling debut, there’s suddenly a narrative forming that Jones wasn’t happy with the direction of the offense. Perhaps, you could take the idea that he didn’t like certain plays and spin it into something else, but, according to those close to the quarterback, that’d be a disingenuous stretch.

Finally, Jones suffered a high ankle sprain four weeks ago against the Ravens, and he’s missed the last three games. The quarterback sought out multiple opinions on his rehabilitation plan and ultimately decided against surgery. According to league officials with knowledge of the situation, Patriots coach Bill Belichick was not pushing him toward a procedure, contrary to another narrative that indicated the sides clashed about his recovery.

Jones will retain control of his starting job once he’s healthy enough to get through a full game, and that is expected to be Monday night against the Bears. Zappe’s performances over the past three weeks have been impressive and encouraging, but no one at Gillette Stadium seriously considered reordering the depth chart, according to league officials with knowledge of the situation.

It’s illogical how something can spiral out of control like this. If Jones was praised for each of these examples as they happened, let’s not rewrite history now in an attempt to sell a point that doesn’t exist.

(Photo of Mac Jones: Paul Rutherford / USA Today)



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Jerry Jones, Robert Kraft have heated exchange amid Roger Goodell contract discussion

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9:18 PM ET

  • Seth Wickersham

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    ESPN Senior Writer
    • Senior Writer for ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine
    • Joined ESPN The Magazine after graduating from the University of Missouri.
    • Although he primarily covers the NFL, his assignments also have taken him to the Athens Olympics, the World Series, the NCAA tournament and the NHL and NBA playoffs.

  • Don Van Natta Jr.

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    ESPN Senior Writer
    • Host and co-executive producer of the new ESPN series, “Backstory”
    • Member of three Pulitzer Prize-winning teams for national, explanatory and public service journalism
    • Author of three books, including New York Times best-selling “First Off the Tee: Presidential Hackers, Duffers, and Cheaters from Taft to Bush”
    • 24-year newspaper career at The New York Times and Miami Herald

NEW YORK — NFL owners voted 31-1 on Tuesday to permit their compensation committee to open negotiations on a new contract with commissioner Roger Goodell, but not before two of the league’s most powerful owners, the Dallas Cowboys’ Jerry Jones and New England Patriots’ Robert Kraft, engaged in a heated exchange, league and ownership sources told ESPN.

The sources said Kraft joined the overwhelming majority in strong support for the measure, with Jones the lone dissenter in the owners-only session, eventually telling Kraft, “Don’t f— with me.”

Kraft replied, “Excuse me?”

“Don’t mess with me,” Jones said.

The measure then passed, sources said.

The NFL and a Cowboys spokesman declined comment. A Patriots spokesman didn’t immediately provide a comment from the team.

This isn’t the first time Jones has been outspoken and opposed to a new contract for Goodell, 63, and sources said his issue remains the same: the structure of Goodell’s compensation. In 2017, Goodell signed a new five-year deal that was different from his previous ones. Jones led a charge that restructured Goodell’s deal from mostly salaried to mostly bonuses based on performance. Several committees composed of owners determine whether they feel Goodell has met goals and targets.

Jones is concerned that the triggers for Goodell’s proposed bonus pool in a new contract will be too vague and not connected to a strict set of financial goals and metrics without a more rigorous review, sources said.

“He believes in corporate good governance and wants accountability on the financial goals tied to Roger’s bonus,” said a league source familiar with Jones’ thinking. “He is sensitive to awarding a big bonus to Roger before he performs and earns it.”

The source added that, in the past, Jones has thought Goodell’s financial targets were too “vague.”

The source denied Jones’ outburst was connected to any lingering animosity between Kraft and Jones.

The 31-1 vote signals that most owners want Goodell, who has been in the job since 2006, to continue as commissioner for the foreseeable future — and that he wants to continue in that role. One owner told ESPN that the committee might consider a two- or three-year deal.

In the years since he received his latest contract, Goodell has helped usher in a new 10-year collective bargaining agreement with the union that added a 17th game, helped ensure that the NFL didn’t miss any games during the COVID-19 pandemic and landed long-term broadcast deals with new and existing partners worth more than $100 billion. The NFL’s popularity is unquestioned, despite myriad concerns about the long-term health of players, a lawsuit from St. Louis over the Rams’ move to Los Angeles that ended up in a $790 million settlement and repeated scandals and investigations into the Washington Commanders and owner Dan Snyder.

The New York Times reported last year that Goodell’s total compensation over a two-year period from 2020 to 2021 was nearly $128 million.

Goodell has said in the past that he doesn’t want to be considered someone who stays in the job too long. ESPN reported in 2017 that Goodell told some owners that he would walk away after his next contract, CBA and rights negotiations.

“I’m here for you through that,” Goodell told some owners. “After that, you guys should start having a conversation.”

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New England Patriots down another QB as Brian Hoyer leaves with head injury; Bailey Zappe comes on against Green Bay Packers

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GREEN BAY, Wis. — New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer, who was starting in place of the injured Mac Jones, was knocked out of Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers on the second series after taking a hard hit on a sack.

Hoyer was evaluated for a head injury and, at the start of the second quarter, the team announced he wouldn’t return.

Rookie Bailey Zappe, the fourth-round pick out of Western Kentucky, took over for Hoyer.

The Patriots don’t have any other quarterbacks on their 53-man roster. One of their emergency options, receiver Jakobi Meyers, is inactive for Sunday’s game due to a knee injury.

On the play Hoyer was injured, Packers linebacker Rashan Gary surged off the edge against right tackle Isaiah Wynn and barreled into the 36-year-old QB.

Hoyer went into the pop-up blue medical tent on the sideline, and after about five minutes, emerged from the tent and walked to the locker room for further evaluation. Hoyer had directed a 10-play, 56-yard opening drive that culminated in a 37-yard field goal to give the Patriots an early 3-0 lead.

He was playing in place of Jones, who suffered a high left ankle sprain at the end of a Week 3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Hoyer wasn’t the only player to leave the game with an injury, as tight end Jonnu Smith limped off late in the second quarter and went to the locker room for evaluation. He is questionable to return with an ankle injury.

Also Sunday, Packers safety Adrian Amos was ruled out in the first half with a concussion.

ESPN’s Rob Demovsky contributed to this report.

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Updates on Jaire Alexander, Keenan Allen and others

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7:58 PM ET

  • NFL NationESPN

Week 4 of the NFL season is here, and teams continue to assess injuries to their players ahead of game time.

The San Francisco 49ers have suffered another blow to their offense, as star left tackle Trent Williams is expected to be out four to six weeks with an ankle injury. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair will miss time after he sprained an MCL against the Denver Broncos. The New York Giants also lost a key offensive player after wide receiver Sterling Shepard tore an ACL against the Dallas Cowboys on Monday, ending his season.

The New England Patriots will be without quarterback Mac Jones, who suffered a high ankle sprain last week against the Baltimore Ravens. Veteran Brian Hoyer will start Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. He has lost 11 consecutive starts.

In more positive news, New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson is expected to make his 2022 debut against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Wilson has been out since the first game of the preseason because of a torn meniscus and a bone bruise in his right knee.

Our NFL Nation reporters have more updates on key players entering the weekend:

Quick links:
Schedule | Depth charts | PickCenter

Injury: Knee

Patterson is officially listed as questionable on the team’s injury report, but he told ESPN on Friday that he plans on playing against the Cleveland Browns.

“I feel like I’m going to play every Sunday, no matter what the situation is,” Patterson said. “I plan on playing Sunday and we all know that’s the plan.”

Patterson, the NFL’s third-leading rusher, did not practice Wednesday or Thursday and was listed as a “resting player/knee.” He returned to practice Friday, did work on a limited basis and then was listed as questionable with a knee injury.

Coach Arthur Smith said Friday that Patterson “looked good,” but that he would assess Patterson’s status Saturday.

— Michael Rothstein

Injury: Ankle

Stanley, who is officially listed as questionable, said he’s “really close” to returning after missing 31 of the past 32 games. He was given a rest day Friday after fully practicing the previous two days. The Ravens could use the 2019 All-Pro left tackle to protect Lamar Jackson’s blind side. If Stanley can’t play, Baltimore would turn to rookie fourth-round pick Daniel Faalele to block Von Miller.

— Jamison Hensley

Injury: Quad

Barring a setback, McCaffrey should be able to go on Sunday after missing Wednesday and Thursday’s practices. McCaffrey returned to practice Friday in a limited role, and coach Matt Rhule said he was “hopeful” his star would be ready. McCaffrey gave no indication he wouldn’t be ready. “I feel great,” he said.

— David Newton

Injury: Knee

Let’s call this take two. It seemed like Gallup would make his debut last Monday against the New York Giants but he wanted some more time to feel right before coming back. He has had another week of full practices, although the Cowboys were not in pads at all this week. Gallup said he needed to clear a mental hurdle in coming back from the surgery. It appears he is trending toward playing vs. Washington, but he will work his way into the lineup on a snap count. They will not give him the full assortment of plays right away, so Noah Brown will continue as the No. 2 receiver with Gallup seeing something of a situational role. Tight end Dalton Schultz is also trending in the right direction of playing after missing the Giants game with a knee sprain. He has worn a brace in practice, and like Gallup, he might be limited in the number of snaps he plays until he is all the way back.

— Todd Archer

Injury: Groin

Patriots backup quarterback Brian Hoyer might have it a little easier if the Packers’ best coverage defensive back doesn’t play. Alexander dropped out of last week’s game at Tampa Bay, did not appear to do much in practice all week and is questionable for Sunday. Rasul Douglas moved from the slot to the outside after Alexander’s injury, and Keisean Nixon filled in in the slot.

— Rob Demovsky

Injury: Back

Leonard is listed as questionable for the first time this season after being ruled out in the previous three games. The recovery from Leonard’s offseason back surgery has lingered, but the tide turned this week.

“He’s had three pretty good days, continued to make progress,” coach Frank Reich said. “So, let’s see how he responds.”

If Leonard plays, the Colts might consider limiting his snaps. “The original thought was he would probably start out on a pitch count, but you don’t want to limit yourself. You just take it day by day and case by case and you kind of adapt as you go,” Reich said.

Injury: Elbow

Buckner is considered questionable and has been severely limited this week. But his history of playing while injured suggests that he’ll find a way to show up on Sunday. Buckner has missed just one game due to injury in his seven seasons.

Injury: Ankle

The Colts’ starting free safety will miss Sunday’s game with an ankle sprain, a development that will likely press seventh-round pick Rodney Thomas II into action. Thomas played well in last week’s game after Blackmon left the contest and impressed coaches.

— Stephen Holder

Injury: Hamstring

Allen suffered a hamstring injury in Week 1, was inactive in Week 2 and 3 and will remain on the sideline Sunday when the Chargers play the Texans. Earlier in the week, coach Brandon Staley expressed growing confidence that Allen would return in Week 4, but said Friday that the veteran receiver “felt something” during individual workouts, so he has been ruled out.

— Lindsey Thiry

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New England Patriots QB Mac Jones likely will miss multiple games with severe high ankle sprain, sources say

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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is dealing with what doctors have diagnosed as a severe high ankle sprain that would cause many to have surgery, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Jones is likely to miss multiple games, the sources said, and he and the Patriots still are discussing his options and the best way to proceed.

Jones, who suffered the sprain in Sunday’s 37-26 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, deflected questions on his timetable for recovery when asked about it earlier Monday.

In a videoconference with reporters from the Patriots’ facility, Jones repeated the words “day by day” or “day to day” nine times.

“I’m just going to take it day by day, get my treatment and do what I do. Just see how I feel,” he said. “If you have any more of those type questions, talk to Coach [Bill] Belichick. I think he likes those questions.”

Jones, who was in considerable pain as he hopped off the field Sunday, laughed and flashed a smile as he delivered the line about Belichick, who notoriously disdains addressing injuries with reporters.

The Patriots (1-2) visit the Green Bay Packers (2-1) on Sunday, and Belichick said early Monday that he wouldn’t speculate if Jones might be placed on injured reserve.

Jones echoed those thoughts, saying: “A lot of times you don’t really know exactly what happens. You just have to get your treatment, and hopefully you feel better the next day, and you grow from there. … I’m just waiting on the time here, just kind of letting it play out, seeing how I feel. Honestly, I’m just trying to make it to tomorrow and get my rehab going.”

Veteran Brian Hoyer is the Patriots’ top backup, and fourth-round draft pick Bailey Zappe of Western Kentucky has been the No. 3 option.

Longtime captain Matthew Slater was asked Monday how the Patriots might respond if they are without Jones.

“I hope we don’t have to find that out, but I do believe we’ll respond the right way,” he said. “We’re very early in our season, and if we don’t handle it the right way, this thing could spiral away from us.”

Hoyer has lost 11 consecutive starts, which is the longest active streak in the NFL.

Meanwhile, the Packers have won 14 straight regular-season home games, which is the longest active streak in the NFL.

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RB James White retiring from NFL, says it was ‘an honor to represent’ New England Patriots

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New England Patriots running back James White announced his retirement from the NFL on Thursday.

White, who re-signed with the Patriots on a two-year deal in the offseason, is on the team’s physically unable to perform list. He suffered a hip injury last September that ended his season and required surgery.

White said in a statement posted to social media that “it has been an honor to represent my family, my teammates and the people of New England as a Patriot!”

“Thank you to Mr. Kraft, Coach Belichick, and the entire Patriots organization for giving me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream. To be able to play my entire career for one franchise, in front of the best fans in the NFL, has been a tremendous blessing and honor,” he added in the statement.

White, 30, has spent his entire eight-year career with the Patriots, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2014 draft out of Wisconsin.

His role as the pass-catching back in the Patriots’ offense has been vital, as he was selected to the franchise’s All-Dynasty and 2010s All-Decade Team.

He holds three Super Bowl records, all from the team’s Super Bowl LI win over the Atlanta Falcons: most receptions (14), most points scored (20) and most touchdowns (3).

A four-time team captain, the soft-spoken White set a career-high and franchise record by a running back for receptions (87) and receiving yards (751) in 2018.

ESPN’s Mike Reiss contributed to this report.



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Mac Jones, most New England Patriots starters not expected to play in preseason opener

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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones and most of the team’s starters aren’t expected to play in Thursday night’s preseason game against the New York Giants, sources told ESPN.

The Patriots have joint practices next week with the Carolina Panthers followed by a preseason game with them.

Then the following week, the team flies to Las Vegas for joint practices with the Las Vegas Raiders and a final preseason game against them.

The Patriots’ preseason opener is expected to mostly feature rookies and backups vying for roster spots. Rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe, a fourth-round pick out of Western Kentucky, projects to see the majority of action behind veteran Brian Hoyer.

The Giants plan to open with their healthy starters, per sources.

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Sophie Scott marks Mac Jones’ second year with Patriots

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Sophie Scott is ready to see boyfriend Mac Jones back in action.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, the girlfriend of the Patriots’ second-year quarterback posted a sweet couple’s shot from training camp, as New England prepares for its first preseason game Thursday against the Giants.

“Year 2,” Scott gushed.

Patriots quarterback Mac Jones was supported by girlfriend Sophie Scott at training camp.
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Sophie Scott has been dating Mac Jones for nearly three years.
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The couple vacationed in Bermuda together during the offseason.
Instagram

Jones, 23, who has been dating Scott for nearly three years, helped lead New England to a playoff appearance as a rookie in 2021. And while the Patriots are hoping to replicate last season’s magic, alarm bells have since started ringing in regard to the offense.

Tom E. Curran, the Patriots’ insider for NBC Sports Boston remarked on Twitter that the team’s No. 1 offense “has been distressingly bad” in training camp.

“Run stuffs. Aborted plays. Would-be sacks. Distress lobs into traffic just to get ball out,” Curran continued Monday, later adding, “They are perpetually overwhelmed.”

New England is without longtime offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels this season following his January departure to become head coach of the Raiders. Jones and the offense are now working with Matt Patricia, who rejoined the Patriots in 2021 after a brief stint coaching the Lions.

Mac Jones is entering his second year with the Patriots.
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For the 2022 season, Mac Jones and the Patriots’ offense are working with Matt Patricia.
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Patricia has been calling the offensive plays during training camp while holding the title of senior football advisor and offensive line coach. He previously served as the Patriots’ defensive coordinator from 2012-17.

Despite a challenging start, Jones is preaching patience as the offense learns its new scheme.

“I’m going to figure it out. I always have. I always will,” Jones told reporters on Tuesday. “At the end of the day, you’re going to have your ups and downs with anything new … I think we’re close on a lot of things. It’s just that 2% we need to fix.”

Jones threw for 3,801 yards through 17 regular-season games last year, along with 22 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.



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