Patriots QB Mac Jones redirects "pretty severe" ankle injury questions to coach Belichick

It doesn’t appear likely that Mac Jones will be suiting up anytime soon for the Patriots.

According to the NFL Network, tests on Monday confirmed that the Patriots quarterback suffered a “pretty severe” high ankle sprain in Sunday's 37-26 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. The hope is that the Patriots quarterback won’t need surgery, but he’s reportedly getting a second opinion to determine that. Until then, the timetable of his recovery is uncertain.

Mike Giardi of the NFL Network reported that it was feared Jones suffered a significant tear in a tendon or ligament in his ankle. The injury occurred with 2:09 left in the contest. As Jones threw a deep pass, Ravens defensive tackle Calais Campbell landed on the quarterback’s left ankle.

Jones spoke to the media on Monday afternoon, but didn't give any updates on his injury.

“I’m just taking it day-by-day and making sure everything is good,” Jones said. “Honestly, any injury questions are coach Belichick’s thing. I’m not here to answer them. I appreciate everyone reaching out and looking out after me. It’s kind of a day-to-day thing and I’m just trying to get better.”

Asked how confident he was that he would be able to play again this season, Jones gave a non-answer.

"Just going to take it day-by-day, get my treatment and do what I do," said Jones. "Just see how I feel and if you have any more of those type questions, talk to coach Belichick. I think he likes to answer those questions."

Jones said one reason he kept reiterating "day-by-day" is because he wants to see how he feels tomorrow. When asked about the report he was seeing a second opinion, Jones said, "I'm just waiting on the time here and just kind of letting it play out, see how I feel. I don't really have a lot of information on that. Honestly, just trying to make it to tomorrow and get my rehab going there, too."

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After the play, it was immediately clear that something was wrong. Unable to put any weight on his left foot, Jones hopped to the sideline on his right foot. He was then seen screaming in pain while two Patriots staffers carried him down a flight of stairs and took him to be examined in the locker room.

If the Patriotsplace Jones on the injured reserve, that would keep  him out for at least four games. That would mean the Pats would play the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, followed by the Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns and Chicago Bears, without their starting quarterback.

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If Jones misses only four games, he would return to face the New York Jets in Week 8.

Without Jones, veteran backup Brian Hoyer will start for the Patriots with rookie Bailey Zappe serving as his backup. On Monday, Bill Belichick was asked what Hoyer brings to the offense and responded, “Brian’s got a lot of experience in the offense.” When asked about Zappe, who was drafted in the fourth round last spring, the Patriots coach responded, “He’s gotten a lot better.”

In three games, Jones has thrown for 786 yards with two touchdowns and five interceptions. On Sunday, he ran for the first touchdown of his NFL career. In his place, the Pats will turn to Hoyer for the second time in the last three seasons. Hoyer last started in Week 4 of the 2020 season when Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19. The veteran completed 15-of-24 passes for 130 yards with an interception and fumble lost. He was replaced by Jarrett Stidham in that game, which the Pats lost, 26-10, to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Previous game coverage: Mac Jones suffered a back injury in the Patriots loss to the Miami Dolphins

Hoyer, 36, has been in the NFL since 2009 and has started 39 games for seven different NFL teams.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Patriots QB Mac Jones suffered a "pretty severe" high ankle sprain