Patriots Release Cyrus Jones Again

The New England Patriots have cut Cyrus Jones for the second time in a month on Saturday. The cornerback/punt returner had just re-signed with the Pats on Sept. 19, and he returned punts for the team in the Week 4 win over Miami which included a career-high 24-yard punt return, and also played three snaps on defense. Jones was also active in Week 3 against Detroit, making a fair catch on one of Detroit’s two punts and taking seven snaps on defense. That was his first NFL game action since the 2016 season, after he missed the 2017 season due to a torn ACL.

Jones was inactive for the Pats’ Week 5 game last Thursday night, with Julian Edelman resuming punt return duties in his first game back from suspension. And now two days later, he’s been released again.

Jones has practice squad eligibility and Jeff Howe of The Athletic reported that the Patriots intend to keep Jones on the practice squad, if he goes unclaimed on waivers.

The Patriots waived Cyrus Jones today. The intention is to keep him on the practice squad if he clears.

— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) October 6, 2018

The move creates an open roster spot for the Pats, who currently carry only two running backs — Sony Michel and James White.

The team seems likely to add a running back before next Sunday’s matchup with the Chiefs.