Report: Why Patriots suspended Jack Jones, Jake Bailey originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
The New England Patriots suspended two players ahead of Sunday's regular-season finale against the Buffalo Bills.
Rookie cornerback Jack Jones and punter Jake Bailey were moved from the reserve/injured list to the reserve/suspended by club list on Friday, per the NFL transaction wire. That means they were suspended by the team and will not be paid their base salary or count toward roster limits while on the list. The move is retroactive to Dec. 31.
Get Boston local news, weather forecasts, lifestyle and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC Boston’s newsletters.
Perry: Can Pats summon intensity while feeling sympathy for the Bills?
ESPN's Mike Reiss shed some light on the reasonings for the suspensions. Reiss reports Jones' suspension was related to the fourth-rounder missing rehabilitation appointments. Bailey's team suspension was “due, in part, to differing viewpoints on if Bailey was ready to return to game action.”
Jones' agent released the following statement on the matter:
Local
In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area.
“I’m aware of the situation involving my client Jack Jones. Jack is focused on recovering and getting back to help the Patriots as soon as possible. Regarding the suspension, it appears to be based on miscommunication regarding Jack’s rehab process. I’m hopeful we’ll reach an amicable resolution for both Jack and the Patriots.”
Jones was placed on injured reserve with a knee issue ahead of last Sunday's win over the Miami Dolphins. He missed three games due to the injury and would not have been eligible to return unless the Patriots reached the AFC Championship game.
Bailey had been on IR since mid-November with a back injury. Head coach Bill Belichick announced Friday that Bailey would not return this season due to his 21-day window to return from IR expired. Michael Palardy has taken over punting duties in Bailey's absence.
