Report: Patriots QB Mac Jones expects to suit up Week 7 vs. Bears

It was reported Wednesday that New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones was at "85 to 90 percent" health ahead of the team's Week 7 "Monday Night Football" matchup against the Chicago Bears. On Thursday morning, ESPN's Mike Reiss wrote that the second-year signal-caller is expecting to be ready for Monday.

"Jones, who has been inactive the past three games, has told teammates his recovery from a high left ankle sprain he suffered Sept. 25 has progressed, with a final hurdle to be cleared in practice. The Patriots' first practice of the week is scheduled for Thursday," Reiss wrote. "Coach Bill Belichick has deflected questions on Jones' status -- and his overall quarterback plans -- when asked in recent weeks."

37-year-old Brian Hoyer filled in for the Pats in Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers, but suffered a concussion on the team's second offensive series to pave the way for rookie Bailey Zappe to make his NFL debut. Zappe has stepped up in both Hoyer and Jones' absences, helping get New England to overtime against Green Bay before falling on the road, and taking victories over the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns in his first two starts the last pair of Sundays.

Through the first 11 quarters of his NFL career, Zappe has gone 51-for-70 with 596 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. The Patriots went 1-2 in the first three games of the season (contests started by Jones).

The 2021 Pro Bowler has gone 64-for-97 with 786 passing yards, two touchdowns and five interceptions this season, while adding 14 carries for 37 yards and one score on the ground.