Patriots loss to Dolphins leaves Mac Jones with back spasm.

Mac Jones – refer to caption – CC BY-SA

The New England Patriots’ 20-7 season opener loss to the rivaling Miami Dolphins on Sunday reportedly left quarterback Mac Jones with a back muscle spasm. Jones participated in the entire matchup but was later observed entering the stadium’s X-ray facility.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport predicted that Jones would play in the Patriots’ game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The second-year quarterback’s performance in practice will determine whether or not he plays next Sunday.

If Jones needs to spend some time on the bench, the team has veteran quarterbacks Brian Hoyer and youngster Bailey Zappe ready to step in. According to NFL Media, Jones’ initial X-ray results were clear, but he needed additional testing in New England.

In Jones’ debut game as a starter for the Patriots with senior assistant Matt Patricia running the offense, Jones was sacked twice and committed two turnovers.

For a total of 213 yards, one touchdown, and one interception on Sunday, Jones completed 21 of 30 throws. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Jones’ teammate at the Alabama Crimson Tide, had a more productive day, tossing for 270 yards and regularly connecting with receiver Tyreek Hill.

Adrian Philips and Joshua Bledsoe are other Patriot players that might not suit up for the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers this upcoming Sunday. Phillips sustained an injury in the same loss, while Bledsoe had a groin issue. Bledsoe, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2022 Draft, missed the entire previous season due to wrist and calf problems. Bledsoe’s NFL debut will have to continue to wait. Jabrill Peppers will be fielded against the Steelers if Phillips cannot play.

On the side of the Dolphins, Austin Jackson and Cethan Carter were injured. Jackson’s ankle injury might have caused him to leave Sunday’s game early. Jackson’s availability for Week 2 will be assessed during practice.

Meanwhile, Carter was forced to leave the game after sustaining a head injury during kickoff. Carter will look to clear the NFL’s concussion procedures before the team’s Week 2 game.