by FOXBORO — Despite a week of speculation to the contrary, the identity of the New England Patriots’ starting quarterback for Week 4 is now known.
According to the team’s final injury and participation report issued Friday, McJones has been officially ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field with an ankle injury.
Jones suffered the injury on the final offensive play of New England’s 37-26 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. An initial MRI was taken on Monday, which reportedly showed that he had indeed suffered a severe ankle sprain. Since then, multiple outlets (including Patriots Country) have reported that Jones is exploring all available treatment options, including seeking a second opinion before deciding whether to undergo surgery.
Although Jones apparently made several attempts to be available to play, Friday’s designation confirmed that the ball will be given to starting backup Brian Hoyer.
The 14-year veteran has made 40 career starts at quarterback. However, Sunday will mark just his second stint as a member of the Patriots. Hoyer’s previous start in New England came in 2020, when then-starting quarterback Cam Newton tested positive for COVID-19. With less than two days to prepare, Hoyer and the Patriots struggled in a 26-10 road loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He finished the night completing 15-of-24 passes for 130 yards and an interception before being relieved by fellow backup Jarrett Stidham.
Having the benefit of a full week of practice will help Hoyer in trying to navigate the Patriots’ offense against a solid Green Bay defense. While Hoyer’s mechanics are similar to Jones’, New England will likely tweak some elements of the offense to suit the 36-year-old’s strengths. Such an adjustment is likely to mean a reduction in down shots.
His use of the vertical passing game was one of Jones’ most notable strengths during his time at the University of Alabama. As such, the Patriots offensive coaching staff has made a concerted effort to incorporate throws of this type into their offense. As noted by Patriots.com earlier this week, Jones is tied for third in the NFL in average yards per pass attempt (10.4) and has attempted 20 passes with 20-plus carries through his first three games. If Jones was fit for Week 4, he would undoubtedly continue that trend, especially with Green Bay star Jaire Alexander battling a groin injury.
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However, Hoyer’s passing game is much more effective in small-yardage situations. Also, the Packers’ defensive front has dominated the line of scrimmage throughout the early stages of the season, allowing just 302 yards per game overall. Green Bay ranks seventh in the league allowing 189.3 yards per game through the air while giving up just 113 yards per game on the ground.
In an effort to neutralize the Packers’ ability to stifle the Pats’ passing game, Hoyer will likely incorporate more quick-play concepts in the short to intermediate areas of the field. Such a move would involve more use of tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith both up the middle and in the red zone. New England will also lean on its rushing line Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson. Through the first three weeks of the season, the Pats are eighth in the league in expected points added per rushing attempt (+0.02) and tenth in completion percentage (44.9%). Despite facing a strong run defense, Hoyer should be expected to test the effectiveness of his runners early and often.
While facing one of the NFL’s most storied franchises (as well as one of its most hallowed stadiums) is a daunting task for any quarterback, Hoyer’s experience and veteran knowledge ensure he is ready and able to take on the challenge. mission — a sentiment he shared with reporters earlier this week.
“Anytime you get a chance to play at Lambeau, that’s a really cool experience there,” Hoyer said. “It’s a historic place. A historic organization… They have a great quarterback in Aaron [Rodgers]. Their defense, everywhere, they are very solid. Whether it’s the D-line, or the linebackers, or the linebackers. It is a unique challenge. I heard today that they are 13-2 in their last 15 home games. So it’s obviously a hostile environment to enter. But it’s always a great opportunity to see where you stand too.”
Kickoff for the Patriots and Packers is set for 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 2.
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