In a surprising turn of events, the New England Patriots have suspended cornerback Jack Jones and punter Jake Bailey. Both players will not return to the Patriots in 2022, and their status for the future is up in the air. According to the NFL Wire, both players were placed on the suspended list on December 31st which could cause them not to get paid in Week 18.
Rookie cornerback Jack Jones was placed on the injured reserve list on New Year’s Eve due to a knee injury he suffered in Week 14 against the Cardinals. Jones hasn’t been active since saying “he feels fine” after the primetime matchup in Scottsdale. The 25-year-old will end his rookie campaign with 30 tackles, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble, two interceptions, and one pick-six. The fourth-round draft pick made his time valuable in New England by playing 454 defensive snaps this season and starting two games.
Jack Jones’s agent came out with a statement, providing information on why he believes his client was suspended. The statement read, “I’m aware of the situation involving my client Jack Jones,” Jamal Tooson’s statement read. “Jack is focused on recovering and getting back to help the Patriots as soon as possible. The suspension appears to be based on miscommunication regarding Jack’s rehab process. I’m hopeful we’ll reach an amicable resolution for both Jack and the Patriots.”
Meanwhile, per ESPN Patriots insider Mike Reiss, punter Jake Bailey has been suspended due to a disagreement on when he should return to game action after suffering a back injury. Bailey was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2020 but struggled at the beginning of the year for the Patriots, averaging 42.1 yards a punt. The veteran was placed on the injured reserve in the middle of November and returned to practice on December 21st. Players have 21 days to get activated after they start practicing, and Bill Belichick told reporters Friday morning, “Bailey’s window closed.”
Both players’ guaranteed money will likely be voided, which may lead to Jake Bailey’s release. Bailey signed a 3-year, $9.1 million extension this summer but is last in most punting statics. The Patriots could cut Bailey in the offseason and create $55K in cap space.
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My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
