New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones. Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots QB Mac Jones suffering from back spasms, has chance to play Week 2

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 9/12/22

While the Dallas Cowboys' quarterback situation is in flux following Dak Prescott's thumb injury, the New England Patriots may have dodged a Week 1 bullet with Mac Jones' back ailment.

I’m told Mac Jones felt notably better upon his return to Massachusetts last night, and this morning, compared to immediately after Sunday’s game.

As Bill Belichick said, citing protocol in all injury situations, there will be further evaluation to provide more clarity.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 12, 2022

#Patriots QB Mac Jones is believed to have been suffering from back spasms, sources say. X-Rays were negative, per @TomPelissero, and there is a chance Jones plays this week. Overall, a very positive outcome. pic.twitter.com/794yYPBBpT
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 12, 2022

Scans on Patriots’ QB Mac Jones’ back came back “normal”, per source. The injury is not thought to be serious but the team will monitor and gauge how Jones is feeling this week before Sunday’s game vs. Pittsburgh.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 12, 2022

Jones and the entire Patriots offense had a rough showing in their season-opening 20-7 road loss to the Miami Dolphins. The Alabama product went 21-for-30 for just 213 passing yards with one touchdown, one interception and a fumble lost.

Despite earning a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie last season, expectations were mixed at best for Jones coming into the 2022 campaign. In late August, Chad Graff of The Athletic said of the 24-year-old, "There's reason to believe he isn't fully prepared for Year 2."

New England will host the Pittsburgh Steelers at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.

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