The New England Patriots are unlikely to have cornerback Jonathan Jones in Week 16 against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday at Gillette Stadium. Jones missed the third and final practice on Thursday. He has missed every practice this week while dealing with a groin injury.
His absence comes one week after Jason McCrourty missed time with a groin injury. That thrust J.C. Jackson into an increased role alongside Stephon Gilmore. Beyond them, the Patriots might look to second-round pick and cornerback Joejuan Williams, but none of those corners are as natural in the slot as Jones, who has been their starter at nickel.
On Wednesday, the Patriots had five limited participants: LB Ja’Whaun Bentley (knee), WR Julian Edelman (knee/shoulder), LB Jamie Collins (shoulder), CB Jason McCourty (groin) and DT Danny Shelton (shoulder).
The team will announce the levels of participation for their players along with the injury statuses for the game later on Thursday afternoon.
