Brian Hoyer, the Patriots’ starting quarterback, was struck during Sunday’s final 27-24 overtime defeat to the Packers and was later diagnosed with a brain injury. Before going to the locker room in the first quarter, Hoyer spent some time in the medical tent. Hoyer was replaced at quarterback by Western Kentucky rookie Bailey Zappe. The Patriots made their selection of Zappe in the fourth round of this year’s draft. During his lone season at Western Kentucky, Zappe passed for 5,967 yards and 62 touchdowns.
After starting quarterback Mac Jones of New England was forced to leave Week 3’s defeat to the Ravens due to an ankle injury, Hoyer took over for the rest of the contest on Sunday. Hoyer finished the game 5 of 6 for 37 yards. In his debut NFL game, Zappe had an excellent performance, completing 10 of 15 passes for 99 yards and one touchdown. This may be the turning point he’s been looking for.
