If the best ability is availability, Cam Newton is currently trailing Mac Jones in that department for the New England Patriots.
Newton is out until Thursday for the Patriots following a 'misunderstanding' over a COVID test, a stretch which includes the first of two joint practices with the New York Giants in Foxboro.
But is that enough to propel Jones ahead of Newton on the depth chart and into the starting role at quarterback?
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Appearing on Early Edition, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media said that he still feels as though Newton has the edge. But Tom E. Curran and Phil Perry disagreed, with Perry going so far as to say "the door is more than ajar" for Jones to supplant Newton.
Mac Jones: Starting at QB "more of a future thing"
"I think today's news helps usher Mac Jones right through it," Perry said.
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From Curran's perspective, the quarterback competition really hasn't been that close in training camp.
"It's been a Mac Jones romp," he said.
Rapoport allowed for the fact that Newton's absence will give Jones the opportunity in joint practices, a real competitive setting, to take a "real step forward."
Curran: Cam Newton's COVID protocol setback entirely preventable
How snaps between Newton and Jones are managed at Thursday's joint practice are divvied up now warrant extra close attention, not to mention playing time in Sunday's preseason finale against the Giants at MetLife Stadium.
See the full segment of the discussion between Curran, Perry and Rapoport below: