Belichick: Jack Jones ‘Will Be Out There’ to Start Patriots Training Camp

New England Patriots head coach confirmed that talented, yet troubled cornerback Jack Jones will start Pats training camp on the field … but, he was unable to provide any further comment.

FOXBORO — With New England Patriots veterans required to report for training camp on Tuesday, one notable, yet controversial name will be among the list of attendees. 

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick told reporters on Tuesday morning that cornerback Jack Jones will be in attendance and on the field for the start of camp practices on Wednesday. Due to Jones’ legal difficulties, the Pats head coach was unable to to comment any further on the issue. 

 “Jack will be out there,” Belichick said when asked. “It’s a legal process that I can’t comment on.”

New England's second-year corner is once again embroiled in legal difficulty following his arrest at Boston's Logan Airport in June for attempting to board an aircraft with two loaded firearms. The 25-year-old facing several charges including: possession of a concealed weapons in a secure area of an airport, possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm, and possession of a large capacity feeding device, according to police.

While the ramifications of his actions are serious enough on their own, they were not Jones' first brush with the law — leading some to believe that his playing status for 2023 may be in jeopardy. 

In 2018, Jones was arrested at a Panda Express in Santa Paula, California, for commercial burglary — a second-degree misdemeanor to which he pled guilty and served 45 days of house arrest. In fact, this transgression was the primary reason for his plummeting draft stock in 2022.

Jones also found his way into conflict with the Patriots organization during his rookie campaign. After being placed on injured reserve on Dec. 31 due to a left knee injury, the team suspended him for the final two games of the season for a violation of team rules regarding injury disclosure.

Based on the several blemishes on his resume, many have conjectured that Jones has worn out his welcome in Foxboro.

However, the reality is a bit cloudier than simply cutting ties.

In only one season, Jones caught the eye of many a Patriots fan with his high-octane style of play. Though slightly undersized for the position, at 5-11, 175 pounds, he became an aggressive presence on the perimeter. In 13 games [454 defensive snaps] as a rookie, Jones compiled 30 tackles, six passes-defensed, one forced fumble, one recovery and two interceptions, including one for a touchdown return. 

Accordingly, both Jones and the Patriots appear to be awaiting any further action from the law, as well as the NFL, before making a more definitive decision on his status. 

Jones is next due back in East Boston District Court on Aug 18. 

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