Jack

Jones

Fellow cornerback Nate Hobbs is out with an ankle issue. Jack Jones returned to practice on Friday and will presumably be listed as questionable. Down at least two starting corners, the Raiders are as good of a matchup as Bo Nix could ask for.

Raiders slot CB Nate Hobbs (ankle) and No. 2 perimeter CB Jack Jones (back) were also unable to practice on Wednesday. The development pushes the Broncos’ ascending rookie QB Bo Nix firmly into the QB1 ranks. His pass catchers are likewise on the rise this week.

Jones was waived by the Patriots after playing just 10 snaps in Week 10. He was a fourth-round pick of the Patriots in 2022 and was let go after declining opportunity his sophomore year. Jones now joins the Raiders secondary as a young player with rookie year production. DE Isaac Rochell was waived by Las Vegas in a corresponding move.

Jones played on just 10 snaps in the Patriots’ Week 10 loss to the Colts. Since being activated off injured reserve, Jones has seen his snaps decline in each of the last four weeks, with Sunday’s 10 snaps marking the fewest since Week 14 of last season. As a rookie, Jones allowed just 20 receptions for 306 yards and one touchdown while earning a PFF coverage grade of 76.0. Jones was arrested in June for possession of a concealed weapon, possession of ammunition without an ID card, unlawful possesion of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm, and possession of a large-capacity feeding device at Logan Airport. The charges were eventually dropped, but things have only gone downhill for Jones since then. A team will almost certainly look to claim him off waivers in the coming days, but Jones’ time with the Patriots appears to be coming to an end.

The Patriots get a small boost to their secondary with the return of Jones, who will be making his season debut in Week 7 against the Bills.

The Patriots secondary has been ravaged by injury through six weeks, a troubling trend that carries forward into Week 7 with 16 players listed as questionable heading into the weekend. New England could find it difficult to slow Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, and company at less than 100 percent.

Second-year cornerback Jack Jones was on the IR and had been sidelined for the Patriots first six games, but the team began his 21-day window to return by having him practice on Tuesday. The 25-year-old made headlines this offseason following his June arrest for attempting to board an aircraft with two loaded firearms; however, he was coming into the season as a clear starter in the team’s secondary. In 13 games as a rookie, Jones compiled 30 tackles, six passes-defensed, one forced fumble, one recovery and two interceptions, including one for a touchdown return. While it’s unclear if Jones will return in time for Sunday’s game against the Bills, his impending return is big news for a beleaguered Patriots team.

Jones was arrested at Logan Airport in June for possession of a concealed weapon, possession of ammunition without an ID card, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm, and possession of a large-capacity feeding device. According to MassLive’s Chris Mason, Jones had the charges dropped in exchange for one year of pre-trial probation and 48 hours of community service. Whether or not he will face any disciplinary action from the league is to be determined, but he appears to be on track to play in Week 1.

Jones, who was charged with possession of a concealed weapon at Logan Airport last week, is due back in court August 18, the date of New England’s second preseason game. The 2022 fourth-round pick could be off the roster by then. Jones in 2022 started 12 games for the team, making two starts.

Jones posted bail of $50K with an arraignment set for next week. The charges against Jones are listed as possession of a concealed weapon, possession of ammunition without an ID card, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm, and possession of a large-capacity feeding device. The Patriots are aware of the situation and “in the process of gathering information.” Jones, a 2022 fourth-round pick, appeared in 12 games for the Patriots as a rookie, making two starts.