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Former Patriots QB Stirs Up Storm by Unexpectedly Praising Mike Vrabel Lavishly – Experts Believe He Is “Paving the Way” to Return to Patriots

Foxborough, Massachusetts. 11/17/2025

The New England Patriots are thriving with Drake Maye at the QB1 position, but the name that unexpectedly grabbed the most attention this week is an old familiar face: Mac Jones. After the 49ers vs Cardinals game – where Brock Purdy returned and left Jones without playing a single snap – the former Patriots QB made statements that had the entire expert community analyzing every word.

In the post-game interview, instead of talking about his backup role, Mac Jones spent most of the time… talking about the Patriots. He praised the team's performance, praised Mike Vrabel's philosophy, and clearly expressed his emotions for the place where he began his NFL journey. This very thing led a series of experts to conclude that this could be a “green light” signal from Jones for the upcoming season.
Mac Jones's draft-night fall benefited the Patriots - The Washington Post

“I’ve watched all of the Patriots games this season. The team is playing absolutely great, and I truly admire Head Coach Mike Vrabel’s tactics. My affection for the Patriots has never faded, and sometimes the heart reminds me that there are places one always wants to return to.” Just one sentence, but enough to make Patriots Nation explode.

Jones' future in San Francisco remains uncertain. Purdy has signed a big contract, firmly holding the QB1 spot, and Jones – despite playing well early in the season – has once again fallen into a long-term backup role. With many teams predicted to pursue an experienced and still young QB, Jones becomes a prime candidate for a trade deal in the offseason.

Meanwhile in Foxborough, even in the context of Maye playing excellently, the Patriots still need a quality backup QB, someone who understands the organization and can support Maye's development process. And when Mac Jones unexpectedly gave sincere praise to Vrabel and publicly admitted he still follows the Patriots every week, the question immediately arises: could the team where everything began also be the place to welcome him back?

Injury Update: Right After the Eagles Game, Detroit Nation Receives Joyful News as Defensive Cornerstone Returns to Practice Ahead of Giants Clash at Ford Field
Detroit, Michigan. 11/18/2025 Right after the loss to the Eagles that left the Detroit atmosphere heavy, the Lions unexpectedly received a positive signal. One of the defensive leaders, the player who once participated in Super Bowl LIV, returned to the practice field during the first session of the week. The news immediately spread throughout Detroit Nation, bringing excitement and hope that the team would regain momentum before facing the Giants at Ford Field. The return of this star carries huge meaning for the Lions, especially when the defense is missing several key pieces. He had been sidelined for over a month, and his absence created a significant void on the edge, where the Lions need speed and experience to deal with strong offenses in the NFC. This morning’s practice atmosphere therefore became more vibrant and full of energy. In the middle of the session, the name fans had been waiting for the most finally appeared: cornerback D.J. Reed, who had not played since late September, stepped onto the field with clear confidence. Reed moved fluidly, participated fully in every drill, and quickly became the center of attention. The feeling that the team had just regained an important piece was something anyone present at Ford Field could clearly sense. Head coach Dan Campbell looked no less excited when asked about the roster situation. He sent a positive message to the fans under the press-room lights: “We’ve been waiting for this moment for quite a while. D.J. brings us speed, spirit, and the stability our defense desperately needs. He practiced with full energy, and that’s what helps the team get back up after a tough week. I believe the fans will feel much more relieved.” With Reed preparing to return and the team’s overall spirit improving, the Lions enter the week of preparation against the Giants with high determination. The defense, which faced many questions after the Eagles game, now has a solid reason to believe in a positive shift. Detroit Nation hopes Reed’s timely return will help them turn the tide and put the Lions back on the right track in the increasingly heated playoff race.