Is Mac Jones Playing Tonight? (Latest Injury Update for Bears vs. Patriots in NFL Week 7)
By Peter Dewey
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones hasn't played since Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens after suffering an ankle injury, but he appears on track to return in Week 7 against the Chicago Bears.
Jones took most of the first-team reps in practice on Saturday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, signaling that he'll re-take the starting role this week. Fourth-round pick Bailey Zappe had filled in admirably for the Patriots, leading them to back-to-back wins in his first two NFL starts.
#Patriots QB Mac Jones, hoping to return from a high-ankle sprain, took the bulk of the first-team reps on Saturday, the team's final practice of the week, sources say. That's a sign that he's on track to return vs. the #Bears.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 23, 2022
Jones, who had a solid rookie season in the 2021 campaign, has struggled in the early going this season, throwing five interceptions to just two touchdowns in three games.
Despite that, there is no quarterback controversy for the Patriots, and Jones will remain the team's starter if he's deemed healthy enough to play.
There is no QB controversy in New England. When Mac Jones is healthy enough to return to play, he’ll be the starter, per sources. @TheAthletic
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) October 20, 2022
The Patriots have moved to 8.5-point favorites in this game with Jones expected to play against a Bears team that has struggled on offense all season long.
Best Mac Jones Prop Bets for NFL Week 7
Even though the Bears are underdogs in this game, they've actually allowed the fewest passing yards in the NFL this season and have only given up four passing touchdowns.
That could be a problem for Jones, and I wouldn't be shocked in the Patriots lean on their running game, especially after Rhamondre Stevenson had a big game in Week 6.
My favorite prop for Jones would actually be for him to throw a pick. He's thrown one in each game this season, and the Bears have five interceptions in six games in 2022.
Jones may be playing at less than 100 percent, so there's a chance a throw or two could get away from him, especially after we watched him struggle in Weeks 1-3.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.