The Patriots made a number of roster moves on Saturday which will see the return of a key defender on one hand, but an extended absence of a veteran O-linemen on the other. Per a team announcement, cornerback Jack Jones was activated from injured reserve while tackle Riley Reiff was placed on IR.
Jones was designated for return earlier this week, a move which opened his three-week practice window. It comes as no surprise that the Patriots are moving quickly bringing him back into the fold given their injury woes at the cornerback spot. First-round rookie Christian Gonzalez is out for the year with a torn labrum, while Marcus Jones is on IR. Those injuries led to New England’s re-acquisition of J.C. Jackson earlier this month.
Jack Jones had a significant role as a rookie last year, posting a 54% defensive snap share. That playing time resulted in a pair of interceptions, six pass defections and one forced fumble. The Arizona State product also posted strong coverage statistics, allowing a completion percentage of 54% as the nearest defender. A hamstring injury led to his IR stint ahead of Week 1, so Sunday’s game will mark Jones’ 2023 debut.
Reiff, by contrast, has only made one appearance this year. The 34-year-old missed the beginning of the campaign due to a leg injury, with his first IR stint shutting him down for the first month of the season. He suited up in Week 5 and saw time at both left and right guard. Signed to a one-year deal to provide depth at a number of spots, Rieff could have been option at right tackle as well when healthy. Now, though, he will be sidelined for at least another four weeks.
The Patriots also activated veteran special-teamer Cody Davis from the PUP list. His return will lead to his 2023 debut, and it will not count against the Patriots’ IR activations count. Bringing back Jones, on the other hand, will use up one of the team’s six remaining activations. The same will be true of Rieff if he is brought back during the second half of the campaign.
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