Who Will Start at Quarterback for the Patriots? One Option Is Now Off The Table
By Ryan Bunton
With much speculation surrounding the New England Patriots' plan at quarterback for tomorrow's game against the New York Giants, one potential option to start behind center is now off the table (and off the team).
New England placed QB Will Grier on waivers on Saturday.
Patriots’ QB news: New England waived quarterback Will Grier, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 25, 2023
With Grier being placed on waivers, Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe will remain as the only quarterbacks on New England's roster. Head coach Bill Belichick has remained tight-lipped and abrasive about revealing the team's game plan for quarterback tomorrow, and Patriots players have played it close to the vest as well.
Third-year quarterback Mac Jones has started each of the Patriots' ten games this season, but has been relieved by back-up Bailey Zappe on three separate occasions. Jones' latest benching came in New England's most recent contest, a 10-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10 in Germany.
Jones has started 41 of the Patriots last 44 games since being drafted 15th overall in 2021. Zappe started two games last season during Jones' absence due to an ankle injury. New England won both games with Zappe as their starting signal caller.
On Wednesday, former Patriots captain Devin McCourty had stated his belief that Grier would start New England's Week 12 matchup in the Meadowlands, but now Belichick will have his pick narrowed down to Jones and Zappe. Rookie QB/WR Malik Cunningham told reporters earlier in the week that he has not practiced at quarterback since Week 6, eliminating him as a possibility.
The 28-year-old Grier was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of West Virginia. He spent two seasons apiece with Carolina and the Dallas Cowboys before signing with New England on September 21 off of Cincinnati's practice squad.
Grier has yet to be on the Patriots' active game day roster this season. He has not seen regular season game action since his rookie season in 2019 with Carolina.
If Grier clears waivers and is unclaimed by another team, the Patriots would still be able to sign him to the team's practice squad.