New England Patriots Lose Cornerback to Knee Injury

The New England Patriots have suffered yet another frustrating injury on Monday Night Football. Cornerback Jack Jones exited in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals with a knee injury and has been officially declared out for the remainder of the game.

Patriots injury update: WR DeVante Parker (head) and DB Jack Jones (knee) are downgraded to out.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 13, 2022

Jones logged three total tackles before his exit. Ordinarily, his absence could prove devastating against a Cardinals wide receiver group that includes Marquise Brown and DeAndre Hopkins, but the Cardinals lost starting quarterback Kyler Murray in the first quarter.

Jones has been an underrated gem for the Patriots this year, allowing a mere 66.6 passer rating on throws in his direction and earning a 72.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus over his first 12 appearances. He has also nabbed two interceptions and broken up five passes.

Jones joined the Patriots as their 121st overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft and has quickly proven a steal. He hauled in 10 interceptions and broke up 26 passes in 37 appearances with Arizona State and USC in college. His small stature (5-9, 175 pounds) and advanced age (25) probably contributed to his late draft position.