Legal Block: Patriots CB Jack Jones Playing Week 1 vs. Eagles?

New England Patriots cornerback Jack Jones likes to focus on football and block outside noise, but doing so has been more difficult this offseason.

“At times it can be difficult,” Jones told reporters Wednesday. “But, I try not to let the outside affect what’s going on on the field. So I try to come out here and just focus all on football and let the outside be the outside and worry about that outside.”

The outside noise stems from Jones' arrest in June after two loaded guns were found in his luggage at Boston's Logan Airport. He pleaded not guilty on nine charges on June 20, and later posted his $30,000 bail. Jones was scheduled to return to court last Friday, but his return date was delayed until Sept. 15, just two days before the Patriots' Week 2 game against the Miami Dolphins.

Despite the cloud of his legal situation hanging over him, Jones is optimistic that he can play in the Patriots' season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sept. 10.

“I hope I’m available,” he said about his Week 1 availability. “I’m just letting my lawyer handle all that. Going with whatever.”

Jones also says he has not heard from the NFL on any potential suspension resulting from his arrest. He adds that he's taking it day-by-day, but for now, he anticipates being ready for the season opener.

A fourth-round pick out of Arizona State, Jones had a solid rookie season for the Patriots. In 13 games, he had 25 solo tackles, six passes defended and two interceptions, one of them going for a pick-six. However, injuries and a team-imposed suspension ended his promising rookie campaign on a sour note.

Ahead of his second season, Jones believes this offseason ahas gone much better than last even with his legal troubles.

“Last year coming in as a rookie it was kind of tough just getting used to the transition, but now I’ve come out here in my second year — I feel a lot better," Jones said. "I’m not where I want to be, but I’m definitely going in that direction.”

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