Bailey Zappe has been given an idea of what New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo and the rest of the coaching staff have in store for him in preseason.
During training camp, Zappe's usage has been slowly decreased, with rookie Joe Milton III taking over for the team. Zappe was not given a single snap during last week's practice Thursday, leading some to believe that Zappe was the odd man out of the group that featured Jacoby Brissett, Drake Maye and Milton.
Despite Zappe's playing time diminishing by the day, Mayo explained to reporters what the team's plan is for each signal caller, not just Zappe. Of note, Mayo made sure to explain that he wants each quarterback to display their abilities as the team figures out who will be the main quarterback in Week 1 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
"As of today, that's the plan, to have all those guys out there playing," Mayo said in response to whether he wants each quarterback to play against the Carolina Panthers, per NBC Sports. "Once again, it goes back to competing. So, yesterday, you guys saw the live tackling period and things like that, that I think is very important.
"You don't want the first time these guys have to get hit or hit someone else to be in the preseason game. So, we've got to see what these guys can do with live action."
Mayo hasn't stated who will start for the Patriots against the Panthers but it could be ascertained that either Brissett or Maye will be the first signal to start, with the other playing next. From then on, it could be Milton and Zappe fighting for the spot.
Mayo's message is in contrast to how Zappe has been approached by the coaching staff, with the 25-year-old consistently losing playing time. Still, Zappe is not worried about his playing and would rather focus on being the best player he can be and putting his best foot forward.
"That’s really up to the coaches and what they think and what they see fit," Zappe said regarding his chances of carving a role in Mayo's system. "Mayo has preached quality over quantity. So that’s kinda been my mindset going into this whole training camp.
"Whether it’s five or 10, or today none, I’m going to do everything I can to help the team win, as far as helping Jacoby out, helping Drake out after when they go through their series. I think the reps are going to come. That’s stuff’s going to come. I believe in the coaches and everything. I think if the opportunity presents itself."
For now, it remains to be seen how Mayo will utilize all four quarterbacks on the roster. It has been reported that Maye, who the Patriots used the No. 3 overall pick on, has been struggling to outplay Milton, who has been known to have ironed out the flaws in his game.
How Maye recovers is up in the air. The Patriots will take on the Panthers on August 8 to open up preseason, with their season officially starting against the Bengals on September 9.
