Mac Jones expects to be available for the Patriots' Week 7 game against the Chicago Bears on Monday night, according ESPN's Mike Reiss.
Jones has missed the last three games with a left high ankle sprain suffered on Sept. 25 against the Ravens. Brian Hoyer started the following week against Green Bay, but was knocked out of the game with an injury of his own.
That opened the door for fourth-round rookie Bailey Zappe, who has played well in his two-and-a-half games. Zappe has won both of his starts and has completed 51 of 70 passes (72.9%) for 596 yards, four touchdowns, one interception and a 111.4 passer rating.
Jones, meanwhile, had struggled prior to his injury, going 1-2 and completing 64 of 97 passes (66.0%) for 786 yards, two touchdowns, five interceptions and a 76.2 passer rating.
Reiss' report does not specify if Jones expects to start, just that he "expects to be available." Coach Bill Belichick has declined to answer whether Jones will immediately get the starting job back when he's ready to return.
According to Reiss, Jones has "a final hurdle" to clear in practice, but that he expects to do so. The Patriots' first practice of the week is on Thursday.
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