Mac Jones Aug 19, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) at the line of scrimmage against the Carolina Panthers in the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots feel that second-year quarterback Mac Jones is healed from the illness that kept him from practicing earlier this week. The organization removed Jones from the injury report on Friday, which means he will be full-go in a crucial AFC matchup against the 1-0 Pittsburgh Steelers.

Longtime NFL journeyman and current Patriots backup Brian Hoyer would have made the start if Jones was unable to go.

ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported the news:

“Patriots quarterback Mac Jones was removed from the injury report for Sunday’s game at Pittsburgh and is expected to start versus the Steelers,” Schefter tweeted.

Jones underwent x-rays after the Patriots’ 20-7 loss at the hands of the Miami Dolphins in Week 1. The results came back negative, and Jones was expected to start Week 2. That was until an unspecified illness struck, landing the second-year quarterback on the injury report and doubtful for the Steelers game.

The Patriots drafted Jones 15th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He must make a big step in his development this year if the Patriots are to return to their traditional spot in the NFL postseason.

We’ll get our next look at Jones and the Patriots on Sunday, when they travel to Pittsburgh to face Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers. That game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET.

[Adam Schefter]