FOXBORO, Mass. — It's officially game week. 

The New England Patriots will take the field at Gillette Stadium on Thursday for their first preseason match against the Houston Texans. 

And Patriots backup quarterback Bailey Zappe can hardly wait. 

"I'm excited," Zappe said. "It's been how long since I've been hit. That's probably the biggest thing, just to get the first hit out of the way."

However, one reporter followed up, clarifying whether Zappe was excited about the game or getting hit. 

"I mean I don't want to," Zappe said with a smile. "I don't think anybody wants to get hit, but it's going to happen so I'm ready for it. To get the first one out of the way and start playing." 

While no quarterback ever wants to get hit, Zappe was right when he said that it's a part of football and there is no avoiding it. And it is expected that Zappe will see some time on Thursday along with Trace McSorely and possibly Malik Cunningham. 

But hopefully the offensive line can help him out and ensure he doesn't get hit (too much). 

Zappe is entering his second year in the league, being drafted by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He had an impressive rookie season and was originally named the third-string quarterback behind Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer. 

However, Jones went down with an injury and was unable to play for three straight games. And Zappe certainly took advantage of this opportunity for increased playing time. 

Zappe had two starts during those three games, leading the Patriots to back-to-back victories over the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns. 

Jones was ready to go for Week 7, but there was some controversy about whether or not Zappe should remain the starter. Yet it was Jones who started, but Zappe came in for him during the second quarter. 

He finished the 2022 season with 65 competitions for 781 yards and five touchdowns across four games. 

While Jones has appeared as the starter throughout training camp, Zappe has been the clear backup and with Bill O'Brien leading the offense, he is sure to continue to grow and improve. 

Featured Image via Sophie Weller – A to Z Sports