Mac Jones is getting closer to taking the field for the Patriots. But he won’t be doing so this week.
The team ruled out Jones for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns after a short pregame workout, meaning rookie Bailey Zappe will start a second straight game for New England.
The Patriots’ top quarterback took a step forward by traveling with the team this week, though, and worked out with less ankle tape than he’d used in practice this week. The signs might be pointing to a return on Monday Night Football next week when New England plays the Chicago Bears.
Also missing this game will be running back Damien Harris, who left last week’s win over Detroit with a hamstring injury. He also gave it a brief go in pregame warmups but didn’t look ready to take the field.
The Patriots already ruled out cornerback Jonathan Jones and receiver Nelson Agholor on Saturday and won't have defensive lineman Lawrence Guy back against the league’s best rushing offense.
On the other side, New England catches a break as the Browns will be without edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney and cornerback Denzel Ward, two of their best defensive players outside of Myles Garrett.
