As Patriots await word on severity of Mac Jones’ injury, locker room already preaching ‘next man up’ mentality

As expected, the Patriots didn’t offer much in terms of clarity when it comes to the health of Mac Jones in the aftermath of Sunday’s 37-26 loss to the Ravens.

The only tangible update relayed by the team was that Jones — missing his postgame presser for the second time in three weeks due to injury treatment — was still getting evaluated for a leg/ankle injury, with his next media availability tentatively scheduled for Monday.

Of course, for all of the uncertainty when it comes to Jones’ status moving forward, what we do know — based on what transpired in the closing minutes of Sunday’s loss — is based on some sobering optics.

As Jones hurled up his final throw of the afternoon (soon to be snagged out of the air by Marcus Peters), the Patriots signal-caller was felled by Baltimore defensive end Calais Campbell — with the veteran lineman’s 6-foot-8, 307-pound frame landing atop Jones’ left leg. 

Be it the weight of Cambell putting stress on that leg or the fact that Jones’ foot appeared to be caught in the turf under that pressure, the end result remained the same — with Gillette Stadium holding its collective breath as their hobbled quarterback needed help getting down the stairs to the team locker room.

"I was just trying to get pressure on him, hit him, make him uncomfortable, make him throw an interception," Campbell said postgame. "It was just a good football play. I hate to see him get (hurt). It’s the worst part of this game. You never want to see guys get hurt. I hope he’s ok."

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that X-Rays on Jones’ ankle were negative, but more tests will be required. 

BSJ contributor Dr. Jessica Flynn added: “Mac Jones will not be able to play effectively next week. Glad X-rays are ok — still think it’s a significant high ankle (injury).”

Given that the incident occurred in the final minutes of play, it didn’t come as much of a surprise that some of his teammates didn’t even know of his injury. 

"It was at the end of the game, so evaluate it — like, we don't know,” Devin McCourty said. “There's nothing we can do — see what it is. And think especially when it happens at the end of the game, no one knows. I don't think even some people probably kind of paid attention, because of the game. But obviously, a key player, a key part of what we do. So have to evaluate it to see what it is.”

Considering the amount of pain that Jones was in as he made his way off the gridiron, it seems even the most measured stance still has to prepare for a scenario in which the Patriots are without their QB for at least the next few weeks. 

And even though Jones’ lapses in execution on Sunday (three interceptions, 62.1 RT) played a major part in New England’s disheartening loss to Baltimore, we don’t necessarily need to pen a thesis when it comes to just how devastating a long-term injury to Jones could be for this team.

”Mac is a hell of a quarterback,” Matthew Judon said. “We don’t know what happened. (But) I’m riding with 10. We have to play in the parking lot, we play at Gillette, whatever. I’m riding with him.”

IF Jones is sidelined for any stretch of time moving forward (starting with Week 4 against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers), the keys to the QB position would likely be handed to 36-year-old Brian Hoyer, who attempted all of 11 passes last season for New England.

 Hoyer last started for the Patriots back on Oct. 5, 2020 against the Chiefs — completing 15 of 24 attempts through the air with no touchdowns and an interception in a 26-10 defeat to Kansas City. 

"Brian is a great leader,” Kendrick Bourne said. “I played with Brian my rookie year and a great leader, taught me a lot. I'm right next to him (in the locker room), so I always talk to him every day. I think he'd be ready. I pray that Mac's okay. But like I said, next man up — and I think Brian's a natural leader.”