Patriots placing backup QB Brian Hoyer on IR

Brian Hoyer is out for at least four weeks

Either Mac Jones will be returning on Sunday or Bailey Zappe will be making his first NFL start after Thursday’s news involving New England Patriots backup quarterback Brian Hoyer.

Per Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson, Hoyer is being placed on injured reserve with a concussion, which will keep him out of action for at least the next four weeks.

That could leave the Patriots with Zappe as their starter in Week 5 against the Detroit Lions with newly-signed quarterback Garrett Gilbert serving as the top backup option.

Jones is still working towards returning from a high ankle sprain suffered in the team’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens well over a week ago. He’s pushing to play against the Lions, but given the severity of the injury, he’ll be facing an uphill battle to get back on the field in time.

Meanwhile, the Patriots could be one more injury away from complete disaster striking at the quarterback position.

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New England Patriots place former Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer on Injured Reserve

The New England Patriots place Brian Hoyer on Injured Reserve

Brian Hoyer has carved out a nice career for himself as a coveted backup quarterback, largely spending his career with the New England Patriots.

Unfortunately, after attempting to backup Patriots’ QB Mac Jones, Hoyer was recently injured and will now be place on the Injured Reserve list.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Andrew Brewster on Twitter @IAmBrewster.

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Did Robert Kraft disagree with Patriots starting Brian Hoyer against Packers?

Robert Kraft reportedly disagreed with the decision to start Brian Hoyer in Week 4

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is “all in” on rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe. In fact, he believes in the 23-year-old so much that — according to Bill Simmons — he thought he should have started in Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers over Brian Hoyer.

During a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Simmons noted the owner’s burgeoning belief in the fourth-round draft pick out of Western Kentucky.

“One thing I heard, as you know, I have some Pats birdies,” said Simmons. “Kraft loves Zappe, and Kraft thought he should have started this week over Hoyer. He’s like all in on Zappe.”

There has been a lot of love for Zappe this week after the Patriots’ 27-24 overtime loss to the Packers. The rookie stepped in for an injured Hoyer and helped keep the team afloat by going 10-of-15 for 99 yards and one touchdown.

Few expected the Patriots to have a chance at winning at Lambeau Field. And yet that opportunity manifested itself with the team’s No. 3 quarterback under center.

If Hoyer is healthy enough to play in Week 5, it’ll be interesting to see whether Kraft gets his wish.

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3 standout stars for Patriots in Week 4 loss to Packers

Three rookies had standout performances in the Patriots’ Week 4 Loss to the Packers

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The New England Patriots stumbled into Lambeau field to face off against the 2-1 Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers. Prior to the game, the Patriots found out they would be without starting QB Mac Jones, WR Jakobi Meyers, and defensive starters, DT Lawrence Guy and CB Jalen Mills.

With this news, the Patriots named veteran QB Brian Hoyer the starter. Shortly into the game, Hoyer left with an apparent head injury that forced rookie QB and 2022 fourth-round draft pick Bailey Zappe into action from then on out. WR Kendrick Bourne saw more snaps with Meyers out of commission, and rookie CB Jack Jones filled in for Mills.

The Patriots ultimately fell to Rodgers and the Packers 27-24 off a last-second field goal in overtime. Let’s take a look at the three stars of the game for New England (1-3) in their loss against Green Bay (3-1).

The Morning After: Youth injects life into the Patriots’ season

Patriots’ rookies instilling hope in the team, despite a second straight loss

The New England Patriots fell to the Green Bay Packers 27-24 in overtime at Lambeau field. It was a surprisingly close game without QBs Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer, who left early in the first half with a head injury.

Bailey Zappe took over for the Patriots in his first ever live game action and threw 10 completions for 99 yards and a touchdown. It was a conservative game for sure, but Zappe managed to keep the game close and play mistake-free football.

There were some situations where Zappe’s decision-making or awareness wasn’t on point, but that is due to lack of experience more than anything. Jones went to Alabama and played against some of the best players in the world before he even stepped into the NFL.

Zappe played lower FBS competition and was thrown into a game on primetime at Lambeau field against a future Hall of Fame QB in Aaron Rodgers. He may not have won the game, but he didn’t lose it, either.

Tunnel Vision of Week 4

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass-Rush TD
 Jared Goff 378-1 4
 Geno Smith 320-49 3
Russell Wilson 237-29 3
Josh Allen 213-70 2
Tom Brady 385 3
Running Backs Yards TD
Josh Jacobs 144 rush
5-31 catch
2
Austin Ekeler 60 rush
6-49 catch
3
Rashaad Penny 151 rush
1-6 catch
2
Miles Sanders 134 rush
2-22 catch
2
Jamaal Williams 108 rush
1-3 catch
2
Wide Receivers Yards TD
Justin Jefferson 10-147 1
Tyreek Hill 10-160 0
Tee Higgins 7-124 1
DK Metcalf 7-149 0
CeeDee Lamb 6-97 1
Tight Ends Yards TD
T.J. Hockerson 8-179 2
Mo Alie-Cox 6-85 2
Gerald Everett 5-61 1
Zach Ertz 6-47 1
Travis Kelce 9-92 1
Placekickers XP FG
Greg Joseph 1 5
Daniel Carlson 2 4
Brett Maher 1 4
Mike Badgley 0 4
Jason Meyers 6 2
Defense Sack – TO TD
Eagles 3-5 0
Giants 5-3 0
Cardinals 2-3 0
Seahawks 1-2 1
Raiders 3-1 1

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

QB Daniel Jones (NYG) – Ankle
QB Tyrod Taylor (NYG) – Concussion
QB Mitchell Trubisky (PIT) – “Picketted”
QB Brian Hoyer (NE) – Head
RB Javonte Williams (DEN) – Knee
RB Jonathan Taylor (IND) – Ankle
WR Cephus Quintez (DET) – Foot
WR Treylon Burks (TEN) – Foot
WR Laviska Shenault (CAR) – Hamstring
WR Kenny Golladay (NYG) – Knee
WR Isaiah McKenzie (BUF) – Head
WR Jamison Crowder (BUF) – Ankle
TE Jonnu Smith (NE) – Ankle
TE Cameron Brate (TB) – Concussion

Chasing Ambulances

Giants QB – Both Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor were knocked out of the win over the Bears, but Jones returned to finish the game. The Giants play in London this week, so they won’t be in their normal routine. There are no other quarterbacks on the active roster, so if either (or both) end up missing the London game, they’ll need to activate Davis Webb from the practice squad or look on the free agent market.

QB Brian Hoyer (NE) – He was already replacing Mac Jones (ankle)  and Hoyer left with a possible concussion. That meant that the rookie Bailey Zappe saw his first playing time. It’s too early to know the status of either Jones or Hoyer, but chances are the Patriots will look to add a quarterback at least to their practice squad.

RB Javonte Williams (DEN) –  The Broncos rusher will have an MRI today after being carted from the field with a right knee injury. There is a concern that it is serious and he may miss many weeks. If he is out for any games, Melvin Gordon will become the primary back and Mike Boone would figure in. Gordon lost a fumble in the game and Boone saw three rushes for 20 yards.

RB Jonathan Taylor (IND) – Injured his ankle in the fourth quarter of the loss to the Titans. He limped off and later said he tweaked his ankle. Problem is that the Colts play the Broncos on Thursday and now both teams may be without their best running back.  If Taylor misses time, Nyheim Hines will see expanded use and Deon Jackson is the only other running back on the active roster. Jackson’s only action has been two carries for a net three-yard loss in Week 2. They have D’vonte Price on the practice squad as well. Hines is the only safe bet for more fantasy value.

WR Treylon Burks (TEN) – The rookie was carted from the field and was seen later with a walking cast and crutches. If he misses time, Kyle Phillips should see more work.

WR Kenny Golladay (NYG) – Injured his knee and did not return to the game. The Giants receivers cannot get or remain healthy. The only notable part of their extensive set of injured players is that Saquon Barkley is about the only healthy one. The times they are a’changing.

WR Isaiah McKenzie (BUF) – Was concussed in the win over the Ravens. If he misses any time, the slot would be manned by Jamison Crowder though Khalil Shakir could see some more work. The Bills move their receivers all over the formation, so there’s only minimal fantasy impact from losing the No. 3 wideout. Crowder also hurt his ankle in the game, so it could end up with Shakir seeing the uptick.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

RB Latavius Murray (NO) – The London game served up a double whammy – Alvin Kamara was out, and his fantasy owners that woke up in time could change their starter to his backup, Mark Ingram, which ended up to be the wrong move. The Saints called up Latavius Murray from their practice squad and he ran better (11-57, TD) than did Ingram (10-30). But they are both 32 years old and on the downside of their careers. Success often begets more opportunity. But Kamara is likely to return this week. The Saints host the Seahawks, so there will be opportunities for the backfield.

RB Caleb Huntley (ATL) – The undrafted free agent spent last year on the practice squad but was called up to the active roster and had one carry in Week 2. Cordarrelle Patterson was in and out of the lineup and Huntley was given ten runs that gained 56 yards and his first NFL touchdown. Tyler Allgeier gained 84 yards on his ten carries and Patterson ran for 38 yards on nine rushes with a score but had no receptions. The Falcons went to a three-man committee but the 29 carries were all productive. Allgeier is still the No. 2 back, but Huntley ran well in his first action.

RB Brian Robinson (WAS) – The Commanders’ rookie back is expected to be activated from reserve/NFI list this week, though it is not yet official. He’ll land in a backfield that is getting more crowded. Antonio Gibson has been the primary rusher and J.D. McKissic serves as the third-down back. On Sunday in Dallas, they also used Jonathan Williams for five runs that gained 48 yards. And they weren’t end-of-the-game, mop time runs. He was seeded in the first three quarters. Robinson will likely need time to get into game shape, but he’s a new face for the backfield and should be as talented as any of the other backs. But the Commanders rely on their committee.

TE Mo Alie-Cox (IND) – He led the Colts with six catches for 85 yards and two scores, and yet he totaled just four catches for 44 yards over his first three games combined. And last week, it was the rookie Jelani Woods with two touchdowns. The top tight end in Week 1 was Kylen Granson. Don’t expect Alie-Cox to be turning into an instant fantasy start. Granson caught four passes for 62 yards in that game. Woods gained 33 yards on his lone reception. The Colts had all their passing success with the tight ends versus the Titans.

WR Darnell Mooney (CHI) – He finally showed up with four catches for 94 yards in the Bears’ loss at the Giants. That included a 56-yard catch and run though, and without that catch, he’s back to only 38 yards. The passing yardage (174) was marginally better, but the offense still offers no fantasy relevance when they pass.

QB Zach Wilson (NYJ) – Had his first start of the year and threw for 252 yards and one score with two interceptions. Corey Davis had a season-high five catches for 74 yards and a score but Elijah Moore (3-53) and Garrett Wilson (2-41) didn’t see any boost. Hosting the Jets this week won’t make it any easier.

RB Breece Hall (NYJ) – The Jets rookie rusher was gradually taking more work each week but then jumped to 17 carries for 66 yards and one score, plus two catches for 12 yards as the Jets beat the Steelers. Michael Carter only gained 15 yards on his nine runs and caught the same two passes. Hall is already assuming the primary role.

QB Kenny Pickett – The rookie took over for the second half after Mitchell Trubisky got the hook. Pickett ran for two scores on his six rushes for 15 yards, but he threw 13 passes and none of them hit the ground. Ten went to Steeler receivers and three were intercepted. Notable was fellow rookie George Pickens gaining 102 yards on six carries. The Steelers play in Buffalo next, so Week 5 may not be any prettier.

QB Bailey Zappe (NE) – Brian Hoyer was lost to a concussion, and the seventh-round rookie saw his first NFL action starting at the end of the first quarter. He never rushed and completed 10-of-15 passes for 99 yards and a score to DeVante Parker. The Patriots went to a run-heavy script with 33 total carries, but that may be more the norm while Mac Jones is out. Zappe did help the Pats bring the game into overtime, but there’s no real fantasy value here.

WR Romeo Doubs (GB) – Everyone’s favorite sleeper wideout last summer  showed up in Week 3 with eight catches for 73 yards and a score at the Buccaneers. On Sunday versus the Patriots, he was thrown a team-high eight targets. He also dropped what could have been a winning catch and avoided overtime. But Aaron Rodgers looked for Doubs and Allen Lazard far more than any other receivers.

RB Melvin Gordon (DEN) – With Javonte Williams feared to have a severe knee injury, Gordon is thrust into the No. 2 role by default. Mike Boone is the only other running back on the active roster. Devine Ozigbo is on the practice squad but all represent a significant step down from Williams. Boone has only been a bit player for his four years in Minnesota and Denver but Gordon has fumbled three times this year, including the one that was returned for a 68-yard touchdown for the Raiders. The Broncos have one of the top-ranked schedule strengths for running backs, so there will be some value from this backfield without Williams. Gordon is the first choice, and currently Boone is the only other option.

WR Chris Godwin (TB) – Returned from his hamstring injury and tied with Mike Evans for a team-high ten targets. He caught seven for 59 yards while Julio Jones only managed one catch. Godwin did leave the game after an apparent injury to his mid-section but returned later. His presence was a boost for the Buccaneers’ passing effort and he immediately returned to being the No. 2 passing target.

Huddle player of the week

TE T.J. Hockenson (DET)  –   The Detroit tight end was stuck at sub-40-yard performances through three weeks, but the Lions were without both starting wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown and DJ Chark. Hockenson responded with the franchise record for a tight end – eight receptions for 179 yards and two touchdowns on his 12 targets.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Jared Goff 378 4 QB Tua Tagovailoa 110 0
RB Caleb Huntley 56 1 RB Javonte Williams 27 0
RB Rex Burkhead 39 1 RB Jonathan Taylor 42 0
WR Jamal Agnew 50 2 WR Jaylen Waddle 39 0
WR Josh Reynolds 81 1 WR Diontae Johnson 11 0
WR George Pickens 102 0 WR Michael Pittman 31 0
TE Mo Alie-Cox 85 2 TE Dalton Schultz nope 0
PK Greg Joseph 1 XP   5 FG PK Will Lutz 2  XP 1 FG
Huddle Fantasy Points = 139 Huddle Fantasy Points = 23

Now get back to work…

Bailey Zappe is at QB for New England with Brian Hoyer out due to a head injury

Bailey Zappe is on for the New England Patriots at QB

The team that had Tom Brady at quarterback for decades is going through them like water through a sieve.

Since Brady left for Tampa, the position has been a bit unstable.

Cam Newton played. Mac Jones is the answer but for now he has an ankle injury that kept him out Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

Journeyman Brian Hoyer started and didn’t last long, suffering a head injury and being declared out of the rest of the game.

That handed the keys to Bailey Zappe, a fourth-round pick out of Western Kentucky via Houston Baptist.

And all Zappe has to do in his NFL debut is take down Aaron Rodgers.

Former Michigan State football QB Brian Hoyer to start Sunday

Brian Hoyer is set to start on Sunday for the Patriots against the Packers

Brian Hoyer was the first of a stretch of great MSU quarterbacks under Mark Dantonio in East Lansing. Since his time in East Lansing, Hoyer has carved out a nice role for himself in the NFL, starting in some places and being a backup in others. One thing is for sure, and that is Bill Belichick has a liking to Hoyer’s presence in New England.

Due to an injury to starting QB Mac Jones, Hoyer is getting called upon to start for the Patriots in their matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan state news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on Twitter @Cory_Linsner.

 

Patriots rule out Mac Jones against Packers

Mac Jones will miss the Patriots’ game with the Packers

The matchup will be one for the aged, rather than a young gun against a sharp veteran when the Green Bay Packers  play host to the New England Patriots on Sunday.

Mac Jones’ “day-to-day” status changed on Friday. The second-year quarterback from Alabama’s ankle injury will sideline him as the Patriots face Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.

That means Brian Hoyer will make his second career start in over 7 years as a Patriot. His first came in 2020 and was a loss.

Hoyer is 16-23 as a starter in his NFL career, which began as an undrafted free agent in 2009.

He will oppose Rodgers, who was drafted in 2005 but didn’t make his first start until 2008.

Rodgers has had a bit more success than Hoyer, whose given first name is Axel. Rodgers is 141-67-1.

Hoyer and Rodgers are a combined 74 years of age.

Mac Jones ruled out, Packers to face Patriots backup QB Brian Hoyer

The Patriots ruled out QB Mac Jones (ankle), meaning Brian Hoyer will start against the Packers at Lambeau Field on Sunday.

The New England Patriots ruled out starting quarterback Mac Jones on Friday, paving the way for backup Brian Hoyer to start at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday.

Jones, a Pro Bowler as a rookie last season, injured his ankle during the Patriots loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3. He didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday and was only briefly on the field for practice on Friday.

The Patriots also ruled out offensive line Yodny Cajuste and defensive lineman Lawrence Guy.

Hoyer, 36, has only started two games (both losses) over the last four seasons. He has played in 75 career games with 39 starts. His career completion percentage is 59.3; his career passer rating is 82.9.

Hoyer actually started a game for the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field in 2016. He completed 4 of 11 passes for 49 yards over 20 snaps before leaving with an injury.

The Packers were 3-0 against backup quarterback last season, with an average win margin of 14 points.

With legitimate question marks about Jones’ availability permeating the start of the week, the Packers were pegged as 9.5-point favorites.

The Patriots, a playoff team last year, are now in real danger of starting 1-3.