NFL Rumors: Patriots Rookie QB Getting Boost With Ex-MVP’s Preseason Shortcomings

The New England Patriots' starting quarterback position is in close watch although Cam Newton still clings on to that position.

However, that could all change soon on how the Pats' brain thrust evaluates the 2017 NFL MVP heading into the regular season.

Newton was absence from the Patriots from their preseason matches is something that team does not need. It stems from an alleged COVID-19 misunderstanding, and the Patriots are allegedly not too happy about it.

Michael Giardi of the NFL Network reported that there is a level of frustration internally on Newton.

Giardi further noted that this development may have opened a window for Mac Jones to become New England’s starting quarterback in Week 1 of the NFL regular season.

Like most NFL coaches who need to figure out who their starting quarterback is, Pats coach Bill Belichick remains coy about who between Newton and Jones has the inside track.

"We’ll evaluate everything the way we always do: based on the information we have," Belichick told reporters.

When asked if Jones has a big opportunity to get that nod, Belichick replied: "It is, yes."

The issue with Newton is tied to the protocols set by the NFL and NFL Players Association on a five-day entry cadence process before he is allowed to return to the team.

The 32-year-old underwent daily COVID-19 testing after receiving approval to leave the New England area to attend a medical appointment.

Regardless, Newton and Jones fared well on Thursday when the Patriots won over the Philadelphia Eagles in a preseason duel.

Although that issue is something that is being brought up, Newton remains the starting quarterback for the Patriots for now.

However, the point here is that Jones has a good chance at starting for New England. This was mentioned by the team’s offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who said that either Newton or Jones could be the starter for the Pats when the regular season starts.

“I know those guys are really competing hard and we’re giving them an opportunity to compete and play a lot of football," McDaniels said.