Cyrus Jones leaves mark as returner for Patriots

FOXBORO – For Cyrus Jones, last weekend was the culmination of hurt, hard work and patience.

The Patriots win over the Miami Dolphins marked Jones first actual punt return in a real NFL game since the 2016 season. To be exact, it was 645 days between before he would get a chance to prove he could positively affect this team as a returner.

Against Miami, Jones looked good. He returned five punts for 45 yards, including a long of 24. His 9.0 punt return average [...]

FOXBORO – For Cyrus Jones, last weekend was the culmination of hurt, hard work and patience.

The Patriots win over the Miami Dolphins marked Jones first actual punt return in a real NFL game since the 2016 season. To be exact, it was 645 days between before he would get a chance to prove he could positively affect this team as a returner.

Against Miami, Jones looked good. He returned five punts for 45 yards, including a long of 24. His 9.0 punt return average actually puts him among the NFL league leaders at No. 9.

“It was fun,” Jones said. “Felt like it was a good building block for the upcoming week this Thursday. It was cool just being back in Gillette and back there having an opportunity to make a play.”

Jones rookie year was a frustrating one. He fumbled five returns that season. After Week 10, in 2016, he didn't get another chance. Fast forward to his second NFL offseason and Jones suffered a torn ACL. Fast forward to this past summer and Jones was let go on cut-down day. It was a surprise when the Patriots brought Jones back, signing him off Baltimore's practice squad, but the Patriots have thrown this 24-year into the fire.

Jones played seven defensive snaps against Detroit and five special teams snaps, but didn't have a chance to return a single punt. In fact, it’s been a while since Jones truly had a punt. In the preseason, he had just three opportunities. After sitting on a practice squad for two weeks this season, Jones said he tried to stay mentally engaged in the hope that when his time came, he could make the most of it.

“You just got to stay in tune the best you can,” Jones said. “Know the situations, what’s going on during the game. Stay engaged and that just helps you do your job when you get out there.”

It’s been a wild ride for Jones. It took a year and nine months, but he’s finally back on the football field and he’s showing potential. Even with Julian Edelman returning this week, the Patriots look set at punt returner with Jones back there.

“I mean, it’s good to be able to play football for a living, regardless of where you’re at,” Jones said. “I’m still in a good situation. I’m blessed to be able to provide for my family and just enjoy it.”