Injuries were not kind to the New England Patriots this season, and that included losing Marcus Jones.
The cornerback suffered a torn labrum in the Patriots loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 2 after trying to tackle Jaylen Waddle.
But after being sidelined for almost the entire season, Jones provided a crucial update on his status heading into the offseason.
“I’m doing great, taking it day by day. My body’s doing great. I trust the organization. I trust the medical staff to where I’ll definitely be good for the season, and everything like that,” Jones said on MassLive's Eye On Foxborough podcast. “But there’s ways and steps to everything, and to make sure I’m fully healthy for the season.”
In that Week 2 game, Jones remained on the ground in clear pain following the play, and trainers rushed over to assist him. He was eventually helped up and was able to walked over to the sidelines with assistance.
As he headed to the blue medical tent, Bill Belichick came over to check on him. He remained in the tent, but later emerged and headed to the locker room. While he was originally marked as questionable to return with a shoulder injury, Jones was downgraded to out after halftime.
Jones not only was key on defense, but also on special teams, serving as the primary punt returner. He has made a name for himself since being drafted by the Patriots in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
During his rookies season, Jones returned a game-winning punt return against the New York Jets in Week 1, along with scoring an offensive touchdown in Week 13 against the Buffalo Bills and a defensive touchdown (pick-six) against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16.
But after a season of recovery, he appears ready to go.
“I’m locked in,” Jones said (via MassLive's Karen Guregian). “I’m going to make sure my body is doing good and everything like that. I definitely want to be out there with my brothers. I’m going to make sure to take care of every opportunity that comes up, every snap, and every meeting. I’m ready to get back to it in 2024.”
More must-reads: