Patriots cornerback Jack Jones abruptly left practice Thursday without receiving medical attention, a walk usually taken by players who have been kicked out of practice.
But 20 minutes after he left, Jones returned. He took a knee on the sideline and watched his teammates finish the day around conversations with director of player personnel Matt Groh and veteran safety Jalen Mills.
So, what happened?
Patriots assistants were reticent about the matter Friday during video conferences with reporters.
“Ask (Patriots cornerbacks coach Mike) Pellegrino or coach (Belichick),” said linebackers coach Jerod Mayo.
Pellegrino, who opened his comments by noting Jones’ pass breakup in the team period that preceded his departure, was similarly tight-lipped.
“We had a conversation. That conversation is personal,” Pellegrino said, “and we’re moving on to training camp (Day) 9 and (will) watch him grow each day forward.”
Asked if Jones could grow from whatever was said, Pellegrino declined to say.
“The conversations I have with my players are personal, especially in situations like that,” he added. “… You guys don’t know what happened. But I’m not going to share what we spoke about.”
Jones is already in hot water following his June arrest for carrying two loaded guns into Logan Airport. The 25-year-old faces felony charges, including some that would carry mandatory minimum sentences if he’s indicted. Jones has taken most of his practice snaps with the second-team defense in training camp, as the Patriots await word on his next steps legally and any action the NFL might take to sideline him this season.
The Patriots will return to the field Friday night for an annual in-stadium practice open to season ticket holders and Foxboro residents.