Mac Jones' Ankle Injury Has Progressed 'A Lot' in 2 Days, Patriots' Belichick Says

While not known for being the most outwardly optimistic person, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick did have a relatively positive update on Mac Jones' ankle injury.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Belichick said his starting quarterback has "made a lot of progress the last 48 hours" but they are taking a "day-by-day" approach before deciding if he could potentially start in Week 4.

Jones suffered an ankle injury on New England's final offensive play in Sunday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. His leg got tangled up with Calais Campbell, who brought pressure that led to the turnover.

After hopping to the sideline on one leg, Jones was taken to the locker room for examination. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported the second-year quarterback suffered a "pretty severe" high-ankle sprain and he's seeking a second opinion to determine a timeframe to return.

During his Wednesday press conference, Belichick declined to answer a question about the exact nature of Jones' injury.

"What do I look like," he responded to a reporter. "A doctor? An orthopedic surgeon? Day-by-day."

If Jones is unable to play this week, Brian Hoyer will be in line to make his first start since Week 4 of the 2020 season. The 36-year-old has spent seven seasons with the Patriots over three different stints dating back to 2009.

Hoyer has a 16-23 career record in 39 starts. He has yet to appear in a game this season, but did go 9-of-11 for 227 yards and one touchdown across five games in limited duty during the 2021 campaign.

After a promising rookie season, Jones is off to a slow start through three games in 2022. The 24-year-old has thrown for 786 yards with two touchdowns and five interceptions. He's tied with Matthew Stafford and Jameis Winston for most interceptions in the NFL.

New England is off to a 1-2 start for the second consecutive season. The team went on to win 10 games and make the playoffs as a wild card in 2021.

The Patriots will play the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.