When the NFL shortened its preseason from four to three games, teams were forced to adapt and modify their player usage. Previously, the third game was seen as a “dress rehearsal” for the starters, with the fourth an opportunity for bubble players to make one final push for the roster.
Since 2021, that preseason structure has looked different. For the New England Patriots, this meant also playing the starters in the third and final exhibition contest.
In 2020, both incumbent Cam Newton and rookie Mac Jones saw action in the third preseason game. One year later, in a matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders, Jones played the first 25 snaps over a total of four series.