FOXBOROUGH (Mass.) According to a source, both Mac Jones and Cam Newton, New England Patriots quarterbacks are expected to participate in Thursday night's preseason opener at Gillette Stadium against the Washington Football Team.Bill Belichick will decide how long they play. He is known for keeping his intentions secret in order to keep the players on edge. Belichick previously stated that Newton was the team's starting quarterback. Therefore, Newton would be expected take the first snaps.Belichick has previously admitted that plans to practice in Philadelphia on Monday and Tuesday are important factors in decision-making. There's also always the possibility for a late shift.He said this week, "We'll do our best for this game, and then we'll kind of go from there." "The joint practice sessions, they count for something."Jones, the Alabama first-round draft pick, has worn No. 50 during spring practices and training camp. Belichick continues a tradition of wearing all rookies in unusual numbers.This will change on Thursday night. Quarterbacks can only wear numbers 1-19 when games start. There is much anticipation in New England about what number Jones will be assigned. Jones wore No. Jones wore No. 10 at Alabama high school, and it is still available in New England.Jones joked last week about retiring number 50. 50He said, "I don’t know if it would have been kept."Ron Rivera, Washington coach, said that his starters will be playing in the game.
