Behind the battle for the Patriots’ beginning quarterback job, one other place competitors has unfolded this summer time.
Third-year backup Bailey Zappe has fought sixth-round rookie Joe Milton for the No. 3 job daily. Zappe and Milton shared a lot of the third-string reps in latest practices, as they did once more Wednesday. Typically, that leaves as few as three or 5 reps in a day.
Regardless of that, Zappe believes he’s finished sufficient to indicate the teaching workers he belongs.
“Once we talked first in coaching camp, the largest factor I wished to repair was turnovers,” he stated after Wednesday’s practices. “These final two video games versus the Payments and the Jets (final yr), that was a giant drawback; 5 interceptions within the final two weeks. So going into this coaching camp, no interceptions, no turnovers. And we preach right here ball safety is job safety, in order that’s type of been my focus.
“Clearly we’ve obtained one other sport Sunday, so I’ve obtained to stick with it.”
Final season, Zappe began the Patriots’ remaining six video games. He accomplished 59.9% of his passes for 1,272 yards, six touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Since then, the group traded former starter Mac Jones, signed projected starter Jacoby Brissett and drafted Maye and Milton final April.
Further factors
Mayo wouldn’t announce whether or not extensive receiver Kendrick Bourne or linebacker Sione Takitaki, who haven’t practiced this summer time, would begin the season on the PUP record, which might preserve them out for 4 video games. He would solely say that “when these guys are prepared to return again, they’ll be out right here training” … Security Marte Mapu suffered an undisclosed damage early in coaching camp. Mayo nonetheless referred to as the 2024 third-round choose “week to week” … Outdoors linebacker Josh Uche hasn’t practiced since Thursday’s preseason sport. Mayo stated Uche’s damage isn’t main … Mayo on including extensive receiver Matt Landers and outdoors linebackers Kobe Jones and Christian McCarroll: “The thought course of was, look, bringing in some gamers that we’ve recognized as being potential candidates to be on our group, and see what they’ve” … Government vice chairman of participant personnel Eliot Wolf could have remaining say on subsequent week’s roster cuts, that are due Tuesday Aug. 27 at 4 p.m. ET.
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