QB Mac Jones expects to be ready for Bears matchup
New England Patriots QB Mac Jones expects to be available for the team's "Monday Night Football" game against the visiting Chicago Bears, sources told ESPN.
He warmed up with the team before Sunday's win against Cleveland, was a limited participant at practice last week, and Bailey Zappe said after the game that he didn't know he would be the starter until Saturday.
Jones, 24, has missed the last three games after suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens. The issue was expected to be a multi-week affair, but the Patriots opted against placing him on injured reserve � a move that would have sidelined the sophomore QB for at least four contests.
Jones returning to practice just five days after the injury seemingly justified that decision, even though he served more as a bystander than participant. His workload has increased over the following two weeks, however, and he has reportedly told teammates that his recovery from a high ankle sprain has «progressed».
Jones, who has been inactive the past three games, has told teammates his recovery from a high left ankle sprain he suffered Sept. 25 has progressed, with a final hurdle to be cleared in practice. The Patriots' first practice of the week is scheduled for Thursday.
