Patriots release punt returner Cyrus Jones, open up roster spot
For the second time this season, defensive back and punt return specialist Cyrus Jones has been released by the New England Patriots, the team confirmed via press release Saturday.
Part of New England’s final roster cutdown on Sept. 3, Jones left the Patriots for the Ravens’ practice squad. But signed off Baltimore’s practice Sept. 19 (on a two-year deal, no less), Jones played in two games for the Patriots after re-joining the team, and recorded one tackle on defense and returned five punts for a total of 45 yards. The 24-year-old’s best contribution came in a Week 4 demolition of the Miami Dolphins, as Jones rifled off an impressive 24-yard punt return.
But with the return of Julian Edelman this past Thursday, the opportunities were Jones were going to be few and far between should No. 11 remain healthy, leaving the Patriots in a comfortable enough spot to release Jones.
It’s also worth noting that the release of Jones comes after the Saints’ release of Mike Gillislee.
Like Jones, Gillislee was part of the final cuts from Patriot camp in September, and immediately joined the Saints, where he contributed 43 yards on 16 carries and caught one pass for nine yards. Signed as a free agent last season, Gillislee appeared in nine games with the Patriots in 2017, totaling 383 yards and five touchdowns on 104 rushing attempts.
The Patriots have just two active running backs on their roster right now in Sony Michel and James White, as injuries to both Jeremy Hill (knee, out for season) and Rex Burkhead (neck, on injured reserve) have decimated their depth.
