Mac Jones, Jakobi Meyers limited participants at Wednesday's practice
FOXBORO -- Mac Jones played a little quarterback on Wednesday as a limited participant in New England's first practice of Week 5.
Jones did have a noticeable limp when cameras were on him for the media portion of Wednesday's practice. That was expected, considering Jones is just 10 days removed from suffering a nasty high ankle sprain during New England's Week 3 loss to the Ravens.
The quarterback still had difficulty moving around on Wednesday, but his participation in practice opens the window for a potential return Sunday when the Detroit Lions come to Gillette Stadium.
Receiver Jakobi Meyers was also back at practice after missing the last two games. He was among the seven players listed as limited on New England's practice report:
S Kyle Dugger (Knee)
QB Mac Jones (Ankle)
LB Raekwon McMillan (Thumb)
WR Jakobi Meyers (Knee)
CB Jalen Mills (Hamstring)
S Adrian Phillips (Ribs)
OT Isaiah Wynn (Hip)
Elsewhere on the quarterback front, veteran Brian Hoyer did not practice as he deals with the head injury that he suffered Sunday in Green Bay. He was one of four players that did not partake in Wednesday's practice: DL Lawrence Guy (Shoulder), Hoyer (Concussion), DL DaMarcus Mitchell (Concussion), and TE Jonnu Smith (Ankle).
Rookie Bailey Zappe was impressive when he took over for Hoyer at QB, and is in line to make his first career start if Jones has to miss another week.
"If that's what happens, it happens. That's coach Belichick -- it's a question for him," Zappe told the massive collection of reporters in front of his locker on Wednesday.
Jones and Zappe weren't the only quarterbacks on the field on Wednesday. Veteran journeyman Garrett Gilbert, who was signed to the practice squad on Wednesday, was also on the field and made some throws. He'll likely be Zappe's backup on Sunday.
Another promising development from Wednesday's session: Injured wide receiver Tyquan Thornton was on the field in a red no-contract jersey. It's the first time that the rookie has practiced since undergoing surgery on his fractured clavicle. New England's 21-day clock to activate the rookie to the 53-man roster is now ticking.
