Report: Bailey Zappe to Start for Patriots vs. Lions After Mac Jones, Hoyer Injuries

Bailey Zappe is in New England this time of year.

The Detroit Lions will be playing at Gillette Stadium in a Week 5 game. He will make his first career start.

Mac Jones injured his ankle in a Week 3 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

In last weekend's 27-24 overtime loss to the Green Bay Packers, backup quarterback Brian Hoyer was removed after just six pass attempts with a concussion. The man has been put on injured reserve.

The third-string quarterback was replaced by Zappe. He passed for 99 yards in his first game.

Zappe was selected in the fourth round of the football draft. He completed 69.2 percent of his passes for 5,967 yards and 62 touchdown in 14 games as a senior.

After last weekend's loss to the Packers, Bill Belichick told reporters that the quarterback "competed well" and that he had spoken highly of him.

"He's gotten a lot more snaps in practice, which is always a good thing for a quarterback, and timing, and communication," according to the coach. Making progress is definitely something that's happening. There are more opportunities and experience. I can't put a percentage on it.

Gilbert was signed to the practice squad and is expected to back up Zappe on Sunday.

The New England is in last place in the division. The team needs a win to stay competitive in a division that has seen the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets win at least two games this year.