New England Patriots

New England Patriots

New England Patriots

FOXBORO, MA: Jack Jones of the New England Patriots celebrates after an interception against the Detroit Lions at Gillette Stadium on Oct. 9, 2022. (Nick Grace/Getty Images)

Jack Jones’ legal process remains far from complete, but the latest details sound promising for the New England Patriots cornerback.

As reported by NBC Sports Boston’s

According to East Boston Municipal Court, the probable cause hearing for Jack Jones has been continued until Sept. 15. No court appearance for Jones this week. He was initially scheduled to appear in court Aug. 18.

I’m told Jones is with the Patriots for practices in Green Bay.

— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) August 15, 2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Phil Perry on Tuesday, the East Boston Municipal Court has moved the date of Jones’ probable cause hearing to Friday, Sept. 15. Jones was originally scheduled to be in court on Friday, Aug. 18.

Perry also reported that Jones is in Green Bay with the Patriots, as they gear up for joint practices and a preseason game against the Packers. Based on practice attendance taken by

#Patriots attendance in Green Bay:

Absent: CB Jonathan Jones, TE Mike Gesicki, RB/WR Ty Montgomery, RB Pierre Strong, OL Cole Strange, OL Kody Russey, DL Trey Flowers, LB Ronnie Perkins

Limited: OL Bill Murray

PUP: OL Mike Onwenu, S Cody Davis

NFI: OT Calvin Anderson pic.twitter.com/M0dbIV0RuM

— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) August 16, 2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald, Jones is indeed present with the team.

Jack Jones #13 of the New England Patriots warms up before a game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 16, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OHIO: Jack Jones of the New England Patriots warms up before a game against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium on Oct. 16, 2022. (Nick Cammett/Getty Images)

At least one prominent legal expert believes the pushed-back court date seems like a good sign for Jones. According to Sportico’s Michael McCann on

Could be a sign a plea deal is in the works for Jack Jones (a plea deal is the most likely outcome in how his case ends, with his main goals being to avoid jail time and to give the Patriots reason to not cut him). https://t.co/9ZqOelXgoY

— Michael McCann (@McCannSportsLaw) August 15, 2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Twitter, the new date “could be a sign a plea deal is in the works” for Jones and his attorney, Rosemary Scapicchio. McCann also believes that, either way, “a plea deal is the most likely outcome in how his case ends,” because Jones mainly wants to “avoid jail time and to give the Patriots reason to not cut him.”

Once Jones avoided being cut in the days immediately after his June 16 arrest, it felt like his roster spot in New England would be safe, at least until the full legal process plays out. If he were to end up with jail time, it would be an easy decision for the Patriots to move on.

But if Jones agrees to a plea deal that keeps him out of jail, that should greatly increase his chances of sticking around in New England. He’d still be subject to a possible suspension from the NFL for violating their personal conduct policy.

  • Jul 27, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Jack Jones (13) sprints during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

    New England Patriots cornerback Jack Jones sprints during 2023 training camp in Foxboro. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)

    Jones declined to answer a question about his arrest when he spoke to reporters for the first time since the incident, deferring to his lawyer. He’s been a perfect attendee at OTAs, minicamp, and training camp so far.

    The second-year cornerback did, however, leave one practice for extended time after he had an animated reaction after a play in practice. He eventually returned to practice, but only as an observer, without participating in drills.

  • New England Patriots defensive back Jack Jones returns an interception thrown by Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers for a touchdown during the second quarter of their game Sunday, October 2, 2022 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. (Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/USA Today Network)

    New England Patriots defensive back Jack Jones returns an interception thrown by Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers for a touchdown during the second quarter of their game Sunday, October 2, 2022 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. (Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/USA Today Network)

    Jones’ continued presence with the Patriots is one of the realities of the NFL, and pro sports in general: talented players get every opportunity to play. Off-field trouble is often just a temporary obstacle.

    The Patriots know they have a talented young cornerback in Jones, who fell to the fourth round of the 2022 draft because of off-field problems and not because of his ability as a player. Jones played 54 percent of defensive snaps in his rookie season, logging six pass breakups and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown in Week 4 against the Packers.

  • GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 02: Allen Lazard #13 of the Green Bay Packers lays on his back as Jack Jones #13 of the New England Patriots returns an interception for a touchdown during the second quarter at Lambeau Field on October 02, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

    GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN: Allen Lazard of the Green Bay Packers lays on his back as Jack Jones of the New England Patriots returns an interception for a touchdown at Lambeau Field on Oct. 2, 2022. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

    So, as long as Jones heads down a path of avoiding jail time via plea deal, he could very well remain a New England Patriot. If he does not get a plea deal, and his case goes to trial, that could present a test for the team, as far as how much negative off-field attention they’re willing to endure.

    Either way, it could be another month before Jones or the team know what the next steps entail.

  • Jack Jones takes the field for the New England Patriots before practice during 2023 training camp in Foxboro. (98.5 The Sports Hub)

    Jack Jones takes the field for the New England Patriots before practice during 2023 training camp in Foxboro. (98.5 The Sports Hub)

    Jones is facing the following charges, stemming from his arrest at Logan Airport, in which security found two loaded firearms in a duffel bag with his name on it:

    — Possession of a concealed weapon in a secure area of the airport
    — Possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card
    — Unlawful possession of a firearm
    — Carrying a loaded firearm
    — Possession of a large capacity feeding device

    For now, we’ll keep you updated on any new developments in Jones’ case as well as the actual football team here at 985TheSportsHub.com.

  • Click here for complete New England Patriots coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

    Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.

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