Patriots’ Mac Jones ‘suffered a “pretty severe” ankle sprain in loss to Ravens’, could need surgery

An already grim looking season in New England just got a whole lot worse.

After a series of tests, it was confirmed Patriots quarterback Mac Jones suffered a ‘pretty severe’ high ankle sprain, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.

Another NFL Network source, Mike Giardi says the prognosis ‘means a significant tear.’ He added that a team source said, ‘he’d be surprised if Jones avoids surgery.’ 

It’s unclear exactly how serious the injury is – with the Patriots not releasing a timetable or any other information on the injury.

On his final pass of the game, Ravens linemen Calais Campbell hit Jones just after he threw the ball, landing on Jones’ rolling ankle.

Mac Jones could need surgery after suffering an ankle sprain from a hit by Calais Campbell

Jones hopped on one leg off the field and onto the sidelines following the hit by Campbell

Jones hobbled off the field and onto the sidelines, requiring assistance to get off of the field. He went to the team’s x-ray room after the game and did not address the media.

Initial reports said this injury was not one that could end his season, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss.

With Jones currently listed as doubtful and expected to miss some time, Bill Belichick will be forced to deploy either longtime backup Brian Hoyer or rookie Bailey Zappe this coming weekend against the Packers.

Jones threw for 321 yards, but turned the ball over three times in the 37-26 loss to the Ravens

Jones finished the game completing 22 passes for 321 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions.

While we don’t know exactly what kind of sprain Jones has, the likelihood is that he has either a Grade 2 or Grade 3 sprain. Per the Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute, a Grade 3 high ankle sprain – the most severe grade – usually requires surgery and rehab takes between three to six months. That would most likely keep Jones out until Week 16 or 17 at the earliest. 

Meanwhile, a Grade 2 sprain normally takes six to twelve weeks to recover. That would bring him back between their Week 9 game against the Indianapolis Colts in early November or their game against the Bengals on Christmas Eve in Week 16.