The New England Patriots are going with Bailey Zappe as their starting quarterback this weekend against the Detroit Lions. However, he won’t be the only quarterback able to play on the active roster.
While Mac Jones recovers from his injuries and Brian Hoyer heads to the IR, Zappe was the only quarterback available on the roster to play this week until the team signed Garrett Gilbert to their practice squad.
The 31-year-old has spent time with nine different NFL teams and has been with the Patriots on two prior occasions as well. Given his ability and experience with the franchise, he was elevated to the active roster on Saturday and will be the team’s backup quarterback on Sunday.
The Patriots have activated speedy second round WR Tyquan Thornton from IR to the 53-man roster.
They also elevated QB Garrett Gilbert and TE Matt Sokol from the practice squad. Gilbert is likely to back-up Bailey Zappe.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 8, 2022
The Patriots are hoping they won’t need Gilbert and that Zappe can play well enough to win. However, they’ve been snakebitten this season in terms of quarterback injuries so you never know. Ideally for them, Jones is able to return and Gilbert never sees a snap. But that could be asking too much from the football gods this season in New England.
The Patriots also activated wide receiver Tyguan Thornton to the roster, which means Zappe (or Gilbert) will have another speedy weapon to work with on the field.
