New England Patriots receive initial injury update on Mac Jones after X-rays

The New England Patriots received a positive update on a back injury suffered by Mac Jones during their season opener on Sunday. The Patriots revealed that the former Alabama star had suffered an apparent back injury during the game, but did not initially provide any further details. According to a report from after the game, Jones received X-rays that came back negative — although he will require further examination once they return home.

Mac Jones receives initial injury update

X-rays were negative on Patriots quarterback Mac Jones’ injured back,” detailed NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero. “He’ll be evaluated further when the team gets back to Foxborough.”

The Patriots lost in the opener to the Miami Dolphins, 20-7, and Jones had an underwhelming performance in the loss. Jones completed 21-of-30 pass attempts for 213 yards, one touchdown and one interception — along with losing a fumble during the game. Despite the apparent back injury, New England did not pull him from the game at any point as he completed the outing without missing any plays.

Sunday’s slate of football was a rough one for several former Alabama stars at the NFL level now, as Najee Harris and Phidarian Mathis both suffered potentially major injuries during their respective games.

The Pittsburgh Steelers saw Harris suffer a painful-looking ankle injury after he rolled completely over his own leg. While being tackled, video replay showed the running back get his leg completely pinned underneath a defender and he folded over the top — leading to him limping heavily as he came off the field.

Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders saw their second-round draft pick leave during his debut with an apparent knee injury. Mathis was emotional on the field while attended to by trainers, and could be seen wiping away tears and punching the ground before being carted off the field. Mathis did not return to game action following the injury.