Patriots host Lions in injury-ridden 3-loss team battle

If there’s such a thing as a good loss, the New England Patriots had it last weekend.

But even the best losses don’t come close to winning the worst, so the Patriots are trying to get back on track when they face the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

New England (1-3) put up a valiant effort against the Green Bay Packers last Sunday. The Patriots did not start quarterback Mac Jones with an ankle injury, and backup Brian Hoyer was ejected in the first quarter after slamming his head into the grass.

Rookie Bailey Zappe was forced to take over, and in his NFL debut gave New England a fighting chance and helped the Patriots lead by seven points with just over 11 minutes remaining.

However, the more experienced quarterback won as Aaron Rodgers and the Packers pulled off a 27–24 win in overtime.

Now, Zappe might end up playing against the Lions, but if so, New England coach Bill Belichick said he’s ready to go.

“I think we all know what the potential jobs and roles of a backup quarterback are. Bailey knows it. We know it.” , was well prepared. Overall, I thought he handled himself well.”

Jones’ return isn’t entirely out of the question, as he had practice restrictions Wednesday, and the NFL Network also reported he intended to “push to play.” did not.

However, Belichick did not deal his own cards.

When asked about the quarterback situation, he said. “Just take it daily.”

Much like the Patriots, Detroit (1-3) couldn’t overcome a primary offensive weapon injury last week.

The Lions are missing receiver Amon La St. Brown, and D’Andre Swift might have made a difference had he played in the 48-45 loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

Both St. Brown (ankle) and Swift (shoulder/ankle) missed Wednesday’s practice.

The offense didn’t matter for the Lions, regardless of who was playing or who wasn’t.

Detroit’s defense was the worst, leading in points (35.3) and yards (444.8) per game in the first four weeks of the season.

One particularly bad performance hasn’t inflated those numbers, as the Lions have allowed at least 27 points and 373 yards each in their first four games.

Detroit head coach Dan Campbell said, “[Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn]and I are still working with us and the defense.” , then I’ll definitely consider calming things down and simplifying them diagrammatically.”

Linebacker Chris Boad (knee) and defensive lineman John Kominski (wrist) were both absent during Wednesday’s practice and are likely not part of these adjustments yet. .

The Lions attack line is also banging. Center Evan Brown (ankle) did not practice, and tackles Taylor Decker (knee) and Matt Nelson (calf) were restricted, along with guard Jonah Jackson (fingers).

Defensive lineman Lawrence Guy (shoulder) and tight end Jonu Smith (ankle) did not participate in Wednesday’s New England practice, while safety Kyle Duggar and wide receiver Jacobi Myers were limited to participation with knee injuries. was a person

Safety Adrian Phillips (hip) and cornerback Jalen Mills (hamstring) were also restricted.

–Field level media