The first practice of Lions week saw some promising developments for the Patriots, namely Mac Jones did much more in the session open to media than last week.
According to reports and videos from the session, Jones was able to bounce around a little bit and shift his weight. At the end of last week, he could barely move while throwing. Jones still walked with a noticeable limp.
More Mac Jones, who had more zip on the ball, and stepped into throws more than he did last Friday. pic.twitter.com/HVjogjMSjh
β Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 5, 2022
Bailey Zappe and newly signed Garrett Gilbert were the other QBs at the indoor walkthrough. Brian Hoyer was not seen. Practice squad WR Lynn Bowden was a HS quarterback and played some there at Kentucky.
TE Jonnu Smith (ankle) was absent and is week to week. Matt Sokol is the TE on the practice squad.
WR Tyquan Thornton (shoulder), who was played on IR to start the season, was present in a sweatshirt. It appears his 21-day window to be activated has been started, but we'll have to wait for the transactions to confirm that.
DT Lawrence Guy (shoulder) returned to practice.
BSJ ANALYSIS
While it would still be a surprise if Jones was cleared to play against the Lions, it can't be ruled out at this point. The way he was moving suggests the ankle still has a lack of strength, which is typical of this injury. It's one thing to toss the ball around in a walkthrough. It's another to play QB in an NFL game. You'd think the Browns game is a little bit more realistic.
Thornton would be an interesting addition at some point. Would be interesting to see how he would be worked in considering Kendrick Bourne is struggling to find time. Maybe the Patriots go to more of an 11 personnel team.