Patriots CB Coach Reveals Reason for Jack Jones Practice Exit

New England Patriots cornerback Jack Jones’ sudden exit from the practice fields has been the subject of question … until now.

FOXBORO — While the air temperature in southern New England may have cooled a bit this week, the flaring temper of the New England Patriots cornerback Jack Jones reached a fever pitch on Thursday.

After breaking up a pass intended for receiver Kendrick Bourne during the team’s second round of 11-on-11 team drills, the talented, yet troubled defensive back was spotted abruptly heading for the Gillette Stadium tunnel — sporting a seemingly fervid disposition. 

Whether Jones’ premature exit from practice was voluntary is still a matter of conjecture. However, it is clear that both he and the Patriots are putting the incident behind them. 

"Yeah, it was a great play, and then we had a conversation, and that conversation is personal,” Patriots cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino told reporters via video conference "We're moving on to training camp nine."

Prior to leaving the field, Jones seemed to be trading verbal barbs with some of his teammates and coaches — including safety Jabrill Peppers, who attempted to calm him down after his dust up with Bourne. The second-year cornerback then walked from the field in the direction of locker room. It should be noted that Jones was not accompanied by a member of the training staff; indicating that he was not injured.

While he did not return to practice, Jones later returned to the sidelines, where he was seen chatting with director of player personnel Matt Groh and defensive back Jalen Mills. 

For Jones, the incident was yet another optical blemish to his image. The Arizona State product 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. Jones 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.

Still, Jones remains one of the Patriots top players at the position. 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. Through eight training camp practices, the 25-year-old has aligned with the starting defense, breaking up several passes opposite rookie Christian Gonzalez at perimeter corner. 

Though impending legal action may impact his availability this season, 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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