The Patriots have been hit hard by injuries in the secondary this season, and their situation on that front has worsened. Marcus Jones‘ injury will shut him down for the rest of the season, receivers coach Troy Brown said on Tuesday.
The fact that an offensive position coach broke the news demonstrates Jones’ versatility, and his absence will be felt on offense, defense and special teams. The 25-year-old was placed on IR last month due to a torn labrum. He was thus forced to miss at least four weeks, but Tuesday’s news means he will be sidelined until the start of the 2024 campaign.
Jones’ biggest impact as a rookie came on special teams, as he led the league in punt return yards. That earned him a first-team All-Pro nod, and showcased his long-term value for the Patriots in the third phase. The Houston alum also carved out a role for himself on defense, though, starting four games at corner and recording a pair of interceptions. Jones added 18 snaps on offense last year and one in 2023, but his absence will most acutely affect the Patriots’ secondary.
First-round rookie Christian Gonzalez is out for the year, and his injury will leave new England without their emerging No. 1 cover man. Jack Jones has also missed time this season, although he was activated in time for Week 7. With Marcus Jones out of the picture, plenty of the team’s workload in the secondary will fall on Jack Jones and J.C. Jackson, who was brought back to Foxboro via trade after his Chargers stint came to a disappointing end.
Marcus Jones had only logged three punt returns this season, so the Patriots will be relatively unaffected on special teams with him shelved for the campaign. The team’s offense, which has generally struggled throughout the year, will also be without a gadget player as Jones turns his attention to rehab ahead of his third NFL season.
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