According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Patriots quarterback Mac Jones could be on a “short leash” in today’s game against the Raiders.

Jones has been benched each of the last two games against the Cowboys and Saints and could be sat down much earlier today if he struggles early according to Rapoport. 

Rapoport also reported that both Bailey Zappe and Will Grier got more reps with the first team offense this week.

If in fact this is true, then Jones is playing for his job today. If he gets off to a bad start today and struggles, he could be benched for the rest of the season barring injuries or ineffectiveness by the other two quarterbacks. 

We will see what Jones is made of today and whether or not he has what it takes to keep his job as the starter. 

The offense has been dreadful thus far and there are a variety of reasons for why they have been so bad. Jones is a big reason why they have struggled. He has to prove today that he can be part of the solution moving forward. If he cannot, his career as a Patriot may be over.