Patriots cornerback/returner Marcus Jones will miss the remainder of the season with a shoulder damage, a number of assistant coaches confirmed Tuesday.
“It’s unfortunate,” cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino stated, as transcribed by NESN.com. “We’d love to have him this year, but (it’s a) different plan, different path for him this year. He’ll grow from it. The experience isn’t a good one, but he’s a mentally tough guy. He’ll push through it, he’ll come back stronger.”
Patriots huge receivers/returners coach Troy Brown additionally stated Jones will miss the remainder of the 12 months. The 25-year-old damage his shoulder towards the Dolphins in Week 2, reportedly struggling a torn labrum.
As a rookie final season, Jones earned All-Pro honors as a punt returner. He noticed growing snaps on protection late within the 12 months, however made his mark on particular groups. Jones scored a game-winning landing with 5 seconds left within the Patriots’ 10-3 win over the Jets final November.
Defensively, he tallied 39 tackles, seven cross breakups, two interceptions and a fumble restoration. The Pats additionally used him as a receiver on 18 offensive snaps, together with a 48-yard landing he scored throughout a house loss towards Buffalo. Jones turned the primary participant within the Super Bowl period to attain on a reception, interception and return in the identical season.
This 12 months, Jones completed with 5 tackles and a fumble restoration. He additionally returned three punts, along with his longest return overlaying 21 yards towards the Eagles within the season opener.
In his place, the Patriots have used rookie receiver Demario Douglas, who ripped off a 25-yard return final Sunday, and veteran defensive backs Myles Bryant and Jabrill Peppers. Bryant has additionally helped offset Jones’ absence on protection, the place he was anticipated to play nickelback. At nook, the Pats additionally misplaced first-round rookie Christian Gonzalez and performed most of their first seven video games with out Jonathan Jones or Jack Jones.
Source: www.bostonherald.com