Patriots rookie QB Bailey Zappe throws first career touchdown pass

GREEN BAY (Wis.) -- New England Patriots rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe threw the first ever touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter. He connected with DeVante Parker for a 25-yard touchdown.

It was the first touchdown pass thrown by a rookie in the NFL this season, according to ESPN Stats & Information research, although the Patriots appeared to catch a break when officials didn't penalize them for delay of game. The play clock was at zero just before the snap. Gene Steratore, a CBS rules analyst, stated on the broadcast that a penalty should be called. The touchdown gave the Patriots a lead of 17-14 in a game where they were down to Zappe as their third quarterback.

Veteran Brian Hoyer, who was playing in the game in place Mac Jones (ankle), was injured and was forced to retire on the final play of the offensive series with a head injury.

From there, Zappe, the fourth-round Western Kentucky pick, took over. After the touchdown pass, his emotions were emitted by Hunter Henry, a veteran tight end who wrapped him in a celebratory embrace.

Week 4 marks the fourth consecutive season in which a rookie throws the first passing touchdown since 2007, when Trent Edwards, a Bills rookie, threw it against the Jets.

.@baileyzappe04's first NFL touchdown‼️

???? #NEvsGB on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/6iNXPWGhWd

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 2, 2022