Patriots Daily: Zappe to Start?; Douglas in Concussion Protocol

During the portion of New England Patriots practice that was opened to the media yesterday, there appeared to be a new starting quarterback. Bailey Zappe was seen as the first QB under center. Practice squad QB Malik Cunningham also took some snaps. Mac Jones, who has started every game for the Patriots this season, stood behind them keeping his hands warm.

Based on the amount of information Bill Belichick was willing to share about his quarterback situation last week, this might be the clearest indication the public gets until game time that Jones has officially lost his job.

It was reported that in the portion of practice not open to the media, Mac Jones did get snaps as well. It will be interesting to see if Zappe remains the first under center all week, and how the situation to be his backup unfolds between Cunningham, Jones, and the recently reacquired Will Grier.

Meanwhile, two players were absent from practice. WR Demario Douglas is in concussion protocol. This is a result of the vicious hit he received by Cam Brown of the New York Giants on Sunday. This is the second time the rookie has been in concussion protocol this season. A scary situation for sure. As previously stated, the hit by Brown received no penalty on the play. Despite the NFL’s claims of caring about the safety of their players, plays like the hit Douglas took certainly do not back that up.

If anybody can explain to me how #NYGiants Cam Brown clotheslining #ForeverNE Demario Douglas across his face is legal I’d really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!
cc: @NFL @NFLOfficiating

PS-Douglas left with a head injury and did not return.pic.twitter.com/TfrP2v4C4Q

— Dan Kelley (@DanKelley66) November 26, 2023

The other New England Patriots player who did not participate was KR Ty Montgomery, out due to illness.

Also in today’s Patriots Daily: Who’s to blame in Buffalo?; Aaron Rodgers returns to practice; Joe Flacco is QB1 in Cleveland; Bo Jackson Fun Fact; and more…

New England Patriots

Patriots Football Now – Belichick’s Tomfoolery is Serving No Purpose

Patriots Football Now – Zero to Ten: Magic Numbers From the Patriots Latest Loss

AFC East News

Yahoo! Sports – The Bills are the NFL’s biggest disappointment this season; who’s to blame?

Pro Football Network – Dolphins Jaelen Phillips provides significant injury update

New York Post – Aaron Rodgers celebrates return to practice with Instagram post

NFL News

NFL.com – Former Eagles WR DeSean Jackson officially retires after 15 seasons

CBS Sports– QB Joe Flacco take first team reps with Browns

Patriots Football Now – Harrison, Wilfork Among 25 Pro Football Hall of Fame Semifinalists

PFN+ – 2024 NFL Draft Previews

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Fun Fact of the Day

Bo Jackson’s football career was sadly cut short. However, in his 38 NFL games, Bo Jackson managed to amass 2,782 yards rushing on just 515 carries. His yards-per-attempt of 5.4 is the second most in NFL history of any running back with at least 500 attempts. The only player ahead of him on that list is Hall of Fame back Marion Motley, at 5.7.

Tweet of the Day

Today’s Tweet of the Day comes from Mikewichter, with a subtle reminder to some…

Brady threw 3 interceptions and the Patriots still won? How did they do that with the buffoon coach who got carried to every victory of a 20 year dynasty? https://t.co/BTuHSHm7mf

— Mikewichter (@mikewichter) November 30, 2023