It’s becoming pretty clear that New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is one tough dude.
Despite suffering a noticeably painful ankle injury at the end of last week’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Jones reportedly is holding out hope he can play Sunday.
According to Mike Giardi of NFL Network, Jones was going through game planning at the Patriots facility before their Thursday practice and telling teammates not to count him out yet.
“I’m just going to take it day by day, get my treatment and do what I do. Just see how I feel,” Jones said to ESPN. “If you have any more of those type questions, talk to Coach [Bill] Belichick. I think he likes those questions.”
Through three weeks of the NFL season, Jones and the Patriots offense have struggled mightily after offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels left to become head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in the offseason.
With New England at 1-2, Jones has completed 64 of 97 passes for 786 yards, two touchdowns and five interceptions. He threw 22 touchdowns with 13 interceptions as a rookie last season.
Asked about Jones’ injury following practice Wednesday, Belichick was on-brand when revealing absolutely nothing.
“Day by day. Day. By. Day,” he said, notably pausing between the words. “That’s the plan. Day. By. Day.”
Asked if Jones was dealing with a high ankle sprain, Belichick doubled down on his original answer.
“Day. By. Day. What do I look like — a doctor? An orthopedic surgeon? I don’t know,” the head coach said. “Talk to the medical experts.”
If Jones if unable to play Sunday, veteran backup Brian Hoyer will be under center against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
