Mac Jones has plan to be Patriots’ starting quarterback this week

New England’s starting quarterback remains a mystery for Week 12.

New England Patriots head Coach Bill Belichick had one message for his quarterbacks on Tuesday: “be ready to go.” While the coach dodged questions about who would be under center against the New York Giants on Sunday, Mac Jones is preparing as if he will get the nod.

“Hope so,” Jones said Wednesday when asked if he’d be starting. “I mean, that’s the plan. I think I always work really hard for that, really put a lot of attention and detail into the week, like I talked about. A lot of that decision making is things I can’t control, but I can control my attitude and my effort like I talked about.”

While Jones will plan as if he is the starter, he was asked if the team plans to follow a similar path.

“We’ll see, right?,” he said. “We’ve had those conversations, and like I talked about, just focusing on the controllables and being where my feet are is very important. At the end of the day, like I said, I’m thankful to be here and to be the quarterback, and I’m going to continue to work hard and put in the hours every day – that’s all you can do – and see where we’re at.”

When speaking earlier in the week, offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien shared that this week of practice will be key in determining who gets the start. The coordinator also noted that backup quarterbacks Bailey Zappe and Will Grier rotated in with Jones during the team’s lone practice of the bye week last Wednesday.

According to Jones, splitting those reps isn’t out of the ordinary.

“I think everyone has to get a chance to get their reps, and we’ve been splitting them for a little bit of time here,” he explained. “So, just trying to take advantage of my reps when I go in there, and when I don’t get the reps, just go off to the side and throw with the receivers or with an equipment manager and make sure I get all the throws that I need.”

“It was great,” Grier said Tuesday about the extra reps. “I came in at a tough time as far as reps go. So it was good to get some. Even the scout team reps I get when we do scout team are good. Just good to play ball. … If I get the opportunity, I’m just going to go play and win.”

Wednesday additionally marked the first time Jones met with the media since the 10-6 loss in Germany, where he underwent an X-ray postgame after dealing with a bruise.

“I feel good,” Jones said. “Obviously, when you play half a season, there’s going to be some bumps and bruises, but overall, I feel pretty good. Definitely working through some things, but everyone is, right? We have a great training staff here that does a great job of getting us ready for the game so I really appreciate those guys.”