Rookie do-it-all defensive back Marcus Jones’ has been a playmaking revelation and one of the few true bright spots for the Patriots this season.
Last Sunday he joined an exclusive club with Hall of Famers Deion Sanders when he returned a Joe Burrow pass 69 yards for a touchdown. With the defensive score Jones has now scored a touchdown in all three phases this season, having previously notched an 84-yard punt return TD against the Jets and a 48-yard screen pass TD on offense against the Bills.
Now, though, Jones’ three-phase contributions are in jeopardy for New England as the third-round pick missed practice on Wednesday due to a concussion.
Jones was actually one of three Patriots defensive backs and seven players overall who missed practice as the team prepares for Sunday’s battle with the Dolphins at Gillette Stadium, New England’s postseason hopes hanging in the balance.
Joining Jones on the Did Not Practice list on Wednesday were CB Jalen Mills (groin), CB Jack Jones (knee), OL Yodny Cajuste (illness), WR DeVante Parker (concussion), SPT Matthew Slater (rest) and TE Jonnu Smith (concussion).
Five other Patriots were listed as Limited in practice, a list that included RB Damien Harris (thigh), TE Hunter Henry (knee), CB Jonathan Jones (chest), RB Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) and WR Tyquan Thornton (knee).
New England’s defensive backfield has been undermanned in recent weeks even with Marcus Jones healthy. Mills has missed the last four games, while rookie Jack Jones has now missed two straight games. The secondary will face a significant challenge this week against Miami’s duo speedy receivers in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
