Details on Patriots’ Jake Bailey, Zach Jones suspension vs. Bills

Invoice Belichick has by no means been shy about suspending gamers who don’t adhere to his well-known “Patriot manner” philosophy, even at instances in essential moments.

New England can lock up a spot within the playoffs with a win over the Payments on Sunday however they’ll have to take action with out rookie cornerback Jack Jones and punter Jake Bailey, every of whom had been placed on the “reserve/suspended” record, in keeping with the NFL transaction wire.

Each gamers had been beforehand on injured reserve, with Bailey having not performed since early November towards the Colts. It might additionally seem that the 2 key contributors are not in Belichick’s good graces.

For Jones, that is an ominous finish to an in any other case profitable rookie season that noticed him ranked as New England’s top-rated nook, in keeping with Pro Football Focus. Amongst Jones’ notable performs this season was an interception of Aaron Rodgers that he returned for a landing towards the Packers in Week 4.

Jones, whom the Patriots drafted within the fourth spherical final April, was additionally seen packing up his locker final Friday, in keeping with an ESPN report, which additionally mentioned the 25-year-old out of Arizona State was suspended partly as a result of he had missed a number of rehabilitation appointments.

His agent, Jamal Tooson, mentioned in a press release, “Jack is concentrated on recovering and getting again to assist the Patriots as quickly as attainable. Relating to the suspension, it seems to be primarily based on miscommunication concerning Jack’s rehab course of. I’m hopeful we’ll attain an amicable decision for each Jack and the Patriots.”

As for Bailey, he had been gearing up for a return to recreation motion and took half in some follow drills the final two weeks. ESPN’s report suggests he was suspended attributable to “differing viewpoints” on whether or not he was able to play.

The Patriots had opened Bailey’s follow window to return from IR in December. Bailey signed a three-year extension in August, with greater than 60 % of it assured.

If the Patriots, who’ve misplaced to the Payments in every of their final three conferences, lose once more on Sunday they will nonetheless make the postseason however would wish  the Jaguars to beat the Titans, the Jets to win towards the Dolphins and the Browns to defat the Steelers.