New England Patriots defensive back Jack Jones returns an interception. MARK HOFFMAN/MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL / USA TODAY NETWORK

Patriots HC Bill Belichick confirms Week 1 availability of DB Jack Jones

One day after gun charges were dropped against Jack Jones, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick told reporters Wednesday that the defensive back "should be available" for Week 1.

The second-year pro was arrested in mid-June after two firearms were found in his travel luggage, according to Massachusetts State Police.

Per ESPN's Mike Reiss, state police said that Jones was originally charged with two counts of the following offenses: possession of a concealed weapon in a secure area of the airport, possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm and possession of a large capacity feeding device. The 25-year-old posted a $30,000 bail and was arraigned on June 20.

Jones was with the Patriots when they opened up training camp in late July, despite the ongoing issue at the time.

The 2022 fourth-round pick recorded 30 combined tackles, six passes defended and two interceptions across 13 games (two starts), before his rookie season was cut short in late December due to a team suspension for an unspecified violation of club rules. According to Reiss's report, Belichick said in March that the punishment was in the past and Jones was "lining up with the top unit at times in spring practices."

The Arizona State product is listed on New England's depth chart as a starter at left cornerback. Jones is slated to share starting secondary duties with safeties Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers, as well as cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who the team selected with the 17th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

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