Jones returns for limited practice

Patriots QB Mac Jones managed a limited practice Wednesday. That's a pretty big step after he missed Week 4 with what was deemed a pretty significant high-ankle sprain. Jones reportedly wanted to play Sunday against the Packers. We'll see if he can actually get back into the lineup for Week 5. We wouldn't be using him in fantasy lineups outside of superflex and 2-QB leagues. But Jones' return should be good for New England pass-catchers.

Patriots QB Mac Jones racked up 382 yards on 28-of-39 passing in Thursday night's loss to the Vikings. He found WR Nelson Agholor and TE Hunter Henry for TDs. Jones nearly added a 3rd in the 3rd quarter, but Henry lost control of the ball as he went to the ground. Jones targeted RB Rhamondre Stevenson (10) and WR Nelson Agholor (8) most often. Agholor set a season high in targets and matched his top mark of the year in receptions. Jones beat his career high in yards by 61, hitting 300 for the 2nd time this season. He gets the 6th-best remaining schedule for QB scoring by our adjusted fantasy points allowed -- tops in the league from Week 14 on.

NFL Network's Mike Giardi reports that Patriots QB Mac Jones is dealing with numbness in the toes on his left foot as he continues to recover from his high-ankle sprain. It didn't impact Jones' on-field prep for the Jets this week, per Giardi, but it's safe to say that Jones still isn't at 100%. He shouldn't be in Week 8 fantasy lineups.

ESPN's Field Yates reports that Patriots QB Mac Jones will start Sunday's game against the Jets. Jones took "about 90%" of the 1st-team reps in Wednesday's practice, Yates adds. Jones was yanked from Monday night's loss to the Bears after going 3-of-6 for 13 yards and an INT. But QB Bailey Zappe managed just 185 yards with 1 TD and 2 INTs the rest of the way. We'd expect Jones to remain New England' starter for the remains of the season, unless he really flops. He's just a QB2 in fantasy football.

Patriots QB Mac Jones (ankle) is active and expected to start tonight's game against the Bears, though the team website says "several reports indicate that rookie Bailey Zappe could also take snaps." If you're using Jones in a season-long lineup, then that shouldn't change anything. But have that in mind as you weigh DFS showdown options. Even if Zappe doesn't play, any concern for Jones' recovering ankle could motivate more rushing lean for the New England offense.

Patriots QB Mac Jones (ankle) is "on track" to start Monday night's game vs. the Bears, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Jones took the "bulk" of the 1st-team reps in Saturday's practice, per Rapoport. Jones was struggling before going down with that high-ankle sprain in Week 3, and it figures to be a run-heavy attack from New England on Monday night. That leaves Jones as a weak QB2.