Insider shares how Patriots may handle Mac Jones, Bailey Zappe

It appears quarterbacks Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe shouldn't get too comfortable with where they are on the New England Patriots' depth chart through the remainder of what's become a lost season for the franchise. 

"They might do exactly the same thing this week at quarterback that they did last week," ESPN's Dan Graziano wrote about the Patriots for a piece published Wednesday. "Namely, get both Jones and Bailey Zappe ready to play, and if the starter struggles, bring in the other guy."

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick suggested throughout last week Jones and Zappe were competing for the right to start this past Sunday's game at the New York Giants, but New England players later revealed they "basically knew Mac was the starter all week in practice." Belichick benched Jones in favor of Zappe at halftime of the Giants game, but neither signal-caller played particularly well at MetLife Stadium. 

Jones completed 12-of-21 passes for 89 yards and two interceptions against the Giants, while Zappe connected on 9-of-14 attempts for 54 yards and a pick. Belichick has now pulled Jones from four of 11 games this season. 

"This week, it's possible Jones starts again," Graziano continued. "The two split practice reps last week, and according to sources, neither set himself apart. If, hypothetically, Zappe has a much better practice week, he could get the nod as the starter."

Per Chris Mason of MassLive, Belichick told reporters Wednesday he was "not going to make any announcements on our lineup at any position." With the Patriots at 2-9 and seemingly falling apart in multiple ways, Belichick likely understands neither Jones nor Zappe will emerge as a franchise savior beginning with this Sunday's home game against the 4-7 Los Angeles Chargers. 

According to ESPN stats, the Patriots enter Week 13 ranked 31st in the NFL with an average of 13.5 points per game. On Wednesday afternoon, oddschecker listed New England as a six-point underdog against Los Angeles.