Patriots missing key defensive playmaker at Thursday’s practice

The Patriots defense was missing a key member of the secondary at Thursday’s practice.

Another New England Patriots player is down for the count with an illness, and this time, it’s a key member of the defensive backfield.

Cornerback Jonathan Jones was the lone absence at Thursday’s practice. He’s one of several players that have missed practice due to an illness recently. The Patriots are hopeful a little rest and recuperation will get the veteran defensive playmaker back on his feet again.

Jones’ defense on the backend has been a big reason for the unit’s success this season. He hasn’t skipped a beat in a year where the team has moved him from working in the slot to outside coverage.

Defensive lineman DaMarcus Mitchell returned from an illness designation that kept him out of Wednesday’s practice. He was listed as limited on the injury report, along with Kyle Dugger, DeVante Parker, Josh Uche, Anfernee Jennings and Jake Bailey.

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