Patriots' Mac Jones wanted to be 'good mentor' for Bailey Zappe

Earlier this week, New England Patriots quarterbacks coach Joe Judge praised Mac Jones for his work in mentoring rookie Bailey Zappe during last Sunday's victory at the Cleveland Browns that improved New England to 3-3 on the season. 

Jones spoke with reporters Friday for the first time since the day after he injured his ankle in Week 3 and explained why he strongly embraced such a leadership role during his setback. 

"Yeah, I think I’ve been in these types of situations before — whether that’s in college or not," Jones said, per Greg Dudek of NESN. "If you’re in, you’re in, and you want to have everyone helping you. He’s done a good job of stepping up, of being a young guy. And I’ve always had really good mentors and things like that, so that’s my plan." 

Zappe made his regular-season NFL debut when veteran backup Brian Hoyer went down with a concussion in Week 4, and the fourth-round draft choice won back-to-back starts to spark a possible quarterback controversy in the eyes of some fans and analysts. That, however, was before it was reported that New England players believe Jones and not Zappe can help the offense reach "another level." 

To do that, though, Jones must first get healthy. 

"I think I’m doing well," Jones said about his ankle. "Just trying to get better and get my treatment — you know, day by day. But it does feel pretty good, and I’m just getting my treatment right now to be ready to go." 

Earlier in the day, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick declined to name a starter for the "Monday Night Football" home game against the 2-4 Chicago Bears. It's expected Jones will at least be active for that contest.