The New England Patriots are down another defensive back.
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Patriots placed Marcus Jones on the injured reserve. The 24-year-old suffered a torn labrum during Week 2’s loss to the Miami Dolphins.
#Patriots DB Marcus Jones suffered a torn labrum in the team’s loss to the #Dolphins, source said, as the defensive backfield takes another hit to depth. He’s headed to Injured Reserve.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 21, 2023
New England signed quarterback Will Grier to take Jones’ spot on the 53-man roster, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Pats also signed cornerbacks Breon Borders and Azizi Hearn to the practice squad.
Jones recorded two interceptions — including a pick-six and a fumble recovery — last season while making the All-Pro team as a punt returner. He averaged 12.5 yards per return, highlighted by a game-winning 84-yard touchdown in the closing seconds of a 10-3 victory over the New York Jets.
The 24-year-old returned three punts for 21 yards and recovered a fumble during a season-opening 25-20 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He tallied four tackles against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday night.
New England already placed cornerback Jack Jones on the IR with a hamstring injury before beginning the season. Jonathan Jones also sat out last weekend’s game with an ankle injury, but the 30-year-old has practiced as a limited participant this week.
While rookie Christian Gonzalez has given the position a new anchor, New England’s secondary is lacking depth behind the first-round pick. A healthy Jonathan Jones could return to the starting lineup ahead of Myles Bryant, Jalen Mills, and Shaun Wade.