FOXBORO — The New England Patriots will have some much-needed reinforcements in their defensive backfield on Sunday when they host the Buffalo Bills for a Week 7 matchup in New England.
Second-year cornerback Jack Jones, who had been sidelined for the Pats first six games due to a hamstring injury, has officially been activated from injured reserve, per Saturday's NFL transaction wire.
Safety/special teamer Cody Davis was also activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, while offensive lineman Riley Reiff has once again been placed on injured reserve.
Jones returned to practice for the first time since training camp earlier this week, opening his 21-day window for activation. In addition to his injury troubles, the 25-year-old also found himself embroiled in legal difficulty following his June arrest for attempting to board an aircraft with two loaded firearms. Despite facing several weapons charges, the Suffolk, Mass. county district attorney agreed to drop the charges in exchange for Jones agreeing to probation and community service.
Still, Jones’ presence is welcomed news for a unit already missing rookie Christian Gonzalez fellow second-year corner Marcus Jones to shoulder injuries. During his rookie campaign, Jones caught the eye of many Patriots fans with his high-octane style of play. Though slightly undersized for the position, at 5-11, 175 pounds, he became an aggressive presence on the perimeter. In 13 games [454 defensive snaps] as a rookie, Jones compiled 30 tackles, six passes-defensed, one forced fumble, one recovery and two interceptions, including one for a touchdown return. Throughout training camp, he aligned with the starting defense on numerous occasions.
Despite being officially listed as a safety, Davis has been one of the team’s most valuable special teamers; second only to team captain Matthew Slater. The nine-year NFL veteran, joined the NFL in 2013 as an undrafted free agent out of Texas Tech. Following stops with the Los Angeles Rams and Jacksonville Jaguars, he joined the Patriots as a free agent prior to the 2020 season. He led the team with 15 special teams tackles in 2021.
Davis suffered a non-contact knee injury while covering a kickoff return in the first half of New England's Week 6 win over the Cleveland Browns, ending his 2022 season. Prior to his injury, Davis had played in six games with the Pats, earning six special teams tackles on 106 snaps. In addition to his coverage duties, he also served as New England’s personal punt protector. In Davis’ absence, the role was given to safety Adrian Phillips. After suffering a setback in training camp, Davis has been on PUP.
Reiff has essentially been sidelined since the start of the second quarter of New England’s preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans. Facing a third-and-1 at the Titans 29, Reiff appeared to get his right knee rolled up while attempting to make a block for running back Kevin Harris. He was briefly attended to by the training staff before walking to the locker room under his own power. Reiff, who agreed to a $5 million contract [$4.15 million guaranteed] with the Patriots shortly after the start of the league year in March, began the season on injured reserve. He was activated for the Pats' Week 5 loss to the New Orleans Saints where he played on 45 offensive snaps. After suffering his second knee injury, Reiff was inactive for the Pats Week 6 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Throughout training camp, and much of the preseason, he has spent his time at both right and left tackle, as well as right guard. At 6-6, 313 pounds, Reiff possess the necessary size to provide adequate protection in both the passing and the run games. Yet, his versatility may have been the deciding factor in New England's interest in his services. He began his pro career as a first-round selection by the Detroit Lions in 2012, where he played both right and left tackle for five seasons. For the past two years, the Iowa product has aligned at right tackle -- 10 games for the Chicago Bears in 2022, which came on the heels of his 12-game stint during a run to the AFC Championship with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021. Previously, Reiff played left tackle for the Minnesota Vikings from 2017-20.
In Reiff's absence, the Patriots are likely to utilize the rookie tandem of Atonio Mafi and Sidy Sow as rotational options at both tackle and guard.
Kickoff between the Patriots and Bills is set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday at Gillette Stadium.
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