Reason for Jonathan Jones' Surprise Offseason Surgery is Major Relief

When veteran Patriots defensive back Jonathan Jones underwent surgery on March 27, there were a lot of lingering questions. The reason for Jones' surgery wasn't immediately clear, which also meant that there was no timetable publicly for when he may be available for football activity. The operation itself was also a surprising development, as he played in New England's final 13 games. Jones reportedly battled through an ankle injury earlier in the year, followed by a knee injury over the final stretch of the season.

Well, a few weeks later, Patriots fans have their answers. Per Mike Reiss of ESPN, a source downplayed the significance of Jones' surgery, describing the operation on Jones as a "clean-up procedure" on his knee and described it as ["nothing] of major concern". Reiss also added that Jones was present last week for the start of New England's voluntary offseason workouts, another promising sign.

The eight-year veteran played 78% of New England's defensive snaps last season, good enough for seventh on the team's defense despite missing three games. His availability at cornerback is paramount with the Patriots' youth at this position. The remainder of New England's cornerback unit rounds out as: Alex Austin (22), Azizi Hearn (24), Marco Wilson (24), Shaun Wade (25), Isaiah Bolden (24), and Marcus Jones (25). Having Jones's experience and consummate professionalism among that group is a big asset.

Jones, 30, has been with the Patriots organization since 2016, when he was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Auburn. He was a member of both the Super Bowl LI and Super Bowl LIII winning teams, and he's one of the few remaining players on New England's roster from those championship squads. All signs point to him being ready to go for year nine.

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