Jonathan Jones Added to Patriots Injury Report: Status vs. Jets?
FOXBORO — Despite the return of several key players to the practice field this week, the New England Patriots had one glaring absence for their penultimate session in preparation for their Week 11 contest against the New York Jets.
After being a full participant just one day earlier, cornerback Jonathan Jones was conspicuous by his absence, as one of eight players listed with a designation by the club.
Here is Thursday’s full report, along with its implications for Sunday’s 1 p.m. kickoff at Gillette Stadium
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (5-4)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE
CB Jonathan Jones - Illness
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
P Jake Bailey - Back
DL Christian Barmore - Knee
S Kyle Dugger - Ankle
LB Anfernee Jennings - Back
DL DaMarcus Mitchell - Illness
WR DeVante Parker - Knee
LB Josh Uche - Hamstring
What it means for the Patriots:
Despite some initial confusion regarding the reason for his absence, Jones was confirmed by the team to have missed practice due to illness. The 29-year-old has been one of New England’s most pleasant surprises of the season, earning 24 total tackles, four passes-defensed, two forced fumbles, two interceptions and one touchdown.
Having moved from the slot to the perimeter, Jones has been targeted just 28 times in eight games, allowing only 46.4 percent of his opponents’ passes to be completed. The Auburn product has yielded a performance worthy of earning the eighth-highest grade for a coverage corner according to Pro Football Focus. His stellar play and veteran savvy has also earned him high praise from his teammates, as well as coach Bill Belichick.
While it is still too early to determine his status for Sunday’s matchup with the Jets, it should be noted that Jones was not only a full participant on Wednesday, he also spoke with the media. Should his recovery time fall outside of Week 11, fellow corners Jalen Mills, Jack Jones and Myles Bryant will be asked to carry a greater workload against the Jets.
Aside from Jones’ addition, the Pats listees from the previous day were once again included on Thursday. The only change in status belonged to reserve defensive lineman DaMarcus Mitchell, who was a limited participant. While Mitchell has a limited stat sheet on defense, he has been a stalwart on the Pats’ special teams blocking and coverage units, having played 68 percent of the unit’s total snaps.
NEW YORK JETS (6-3)
DID NOT PARTICIPATE
WR Corey Davis - Knee
G Nate Herbig - Shin
DT Sheldon Rankins - Elbow
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
T Duane Brown - Shoulder
What it means for the Jets:
For the second straight day, New York’s injury report did not change. Though some optimism continues to surround wideout Corey Davis’ status, his absence from Thursday’s practice casts greater doubt on his availability.
As guard Nate Herbig (shin) and tackle Duane Brown (shoulder) remain in doubt, the Jets announced the signing of offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif to their practice squad. The signing reunites him with the Jets, for whom he played in 2021 before leaving football to complete a portion of his medical residency in Canada. While it is unlikely, at best, that Duvernay-Tardif would be ready in time for this weekend’s matchup, his addition may signify that either Herbig or Brown may be trending towards being inactive for New York on Sunday.
Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots
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