For the first time since he joined New England from Alabama as the 15th selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, Mac Jones was healthy but did not start at quarterback for the Patriots on Sunday.

When the New England offense took the field for its first series against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Bailey Zappe was taking the snaps for the Patriots.

Zappe had relieved Jones in four games this season, and with New England owning the AFC’s worst record at 2-9, the Patriots made a change at quarterback, although they made no public announcement of their plans during the week of preparation for the Chargers.

Jones is active for Sunday’s game, giving New England three quarterbacks in uniform. Along with Zappe and Jones, undrafted rookie Malik Cunningham was elevated from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.

A former Park Crossing High School star, Cunningham played quarterback at Louisville. But he also has worked at converting to wide receiver with the Patriots.

Jones missed three starts last season because of an ankle injury, but he had started the other 42 regular-season games and a playoff contest since he was drafted.

As a rookie, Jones played in the postseason and the Pro Bowl. But after offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels left to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, Jones’ production declined in his second season.

The Patriots hired Alabama offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien for that role this season, but Jones’ completion and touchdown rates and his average gain per pass and per completion are at career lows while his interception rate is at a career high in 2023.

This season, Jones has completed 224-of-345 passes for 2,120 yards with 10 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His passing-efficiency rating is 77.0 in 2023 after being 89.0 for Jones’ first two NFL seasons.

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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.