Who is Bailey Zappe? What to know about Patriots rookie QB

The Patriots entered Sunday’s game against the Packers without No. Mac Jones, the Patriots' No. 1 quarterback, suffered a high ankle sprain during Week 3's 37-26 loss to Baltimore. Backup Brian Hoyer got the nod in Jones’ place, but exited the game early in the first quarter after being sacked by Green Bay’s Rashan Gary. Hoyer was taken to the medical tent, then to the locker room, before being declared ineligible for the game due to a head injury. 

Enter third-string quarterback Bailey Zappe, who slotted in under center for the remainder of the Patriots’ 27-24 overtime loss. Zappe completed 10 of 15 passes for 99 yards and a touchdown. 

Here’s what you need to know about the Patriots’ rookie. 

How did Zappe get involved with the Patriots?

New England drafted Zappe, 23 years old, in the fourth round at No. 137 overall. He was fifth among the 2022 draft class's quarterbacks, after Desmond Ridder and Malik Willis. 

Where was Zappe in college?

Zappe started his collegiate career at the FCS level, accepting a scholarship to Houston Baptist, a program that didn’t start playing football until 2013. He eclipsed 10,000 yards passing with 78 touchdowns in four seasons with the Huskies, from 2017 to 2020.

Zappe entered the transfer portal, and was contacted by a dozen FBS-level programs.