FOXBOROUGH, Mass – It has been a tough season for Mac Jones, and prior to the last game of the season, things got even worse. 

Having begun the season as the starter, Jones was benched four times during the game before eventually losing the job to Bailey Zappe. He then served as the backup. But on Sunday he was demoted even farther. 

Jones was listed on the inactive report as the emergency third quarterback, making it so he could only enter the game if the two active quarterbacks  were unable to play. 

Nathan Rourke instead served as the backup to Zappe. 

And Bill Belichick was asked about the decision following their loss to the Jets in the season finale. 

"Nathan had a good week of practice so we activated him for the second spot," he said. 

Rourke was claimed off waivers by the Patriots in December. 

In January, Rourke ultimately signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars and was a star in the preseason. The Jaguars opted to waive him as part of final roster cuts, but signed him to the practice squad right after.

He has been up and down between the active roster and practice squad, but was last released on Dec. 16. 

And after serving as the third-string quarterback since arriving, he was bumped up at the end of the season. And with that, Jones was sent down. 

Jones had a standout rookie season, but declined his second year. And in the third season, it hit the lowest point. In his three seasons, Jones has 864 completions for a completion percentage of 66.1 percent, throwing for 8,918 yards and 46 touchdowns in 42 games played. On the rushing side, he has 117 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. 

Since being benched, Jones has not had an opportunity to speak with the media, but the quarterback is expected to talk on Monday morning. And I'm sure he has some things to say. 

Patriots hit Mac Jones with final nail in coffin

That’s very telling.