New England Patriots backup quarterback Brian Hoyer Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots HC Bill Belichick taps Brian Hoyer as starter if Mac Jones can't play Week 4

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 9/30/22

While the Patriots hope that Mac Jones will be available to play on Sunday against the Packers, they still have to be prepared in case he isn't.

Head coach Bill Belichick confirmed as much on Wednesday when he told reporters that Brian Hoyer will start under center in Green Bay should Jones not be healthy enough to play.

Bill Belichick told reporters today that if Mac Jones can’t play Sunday in Green Bay, Brian Hoyer would be the Patriots’ starting QB.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 28, 2022

There is still hope that Jones will be okay after sustaining a high ankle sprain in Week 3 against the Ravens. Belichick said on Wednesday that the second-year starter has made significant progress, which is very positive given that he was previously expected to miss multiple games.

A smiling Bill Belichick says he saw Mac Jones a little while ago, and that Jones is getting better.

“Probably won’t practice” today.

If Jones can’t play Sunday, Belichick confirms it would be Brian Hoyer in his place. pic.twitter.com/1HZXXzAHgV
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 28, 2022

Patriots coach Bill Belichick says QB Mac Jones won’t practice today “but made a lot of progress the last 48 hours.” Asked if he’ll start, Belichick says, “we’ll take it day by day.”

Says Jones could play with “minimal” practice.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 28, 2022

Hoyer, 36, would get his 40th NFL start if he plays in place of Jones on Sunday. He has won 16 of his previous 39 starts and has yet to tally a win for the Patriots since joining the team in 2020. Last season, Hoyer completed nine passes for 227 yards with one touchdown.

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