Mike Vrabel understands he’s not supposed to play favorites on his roster. However, it looks like Truman Jones has turned into an exception.
The undrafted edge rusher, who’s been on the Patriots practice squad, has impressed Vrabel and the Patriots coaching staff this season. And now, Truman is getting the call for Sunday’s game in New Orleans.
On Saturday, the Patriots elevated Jones from the practice squad to the game-day roster. This comes after the team ruled out edge rushers Anfernee Jennings (ankle) and Keion White (elbow) on Friday.
“I’m not supposed to have favorites, but I would say that Truman’s close to the list if I had one,” Vrabel said on Friday. “He’s an extremely hard worker. I would say that every time we have a show player of the week on the [defense] or special teams, I would say that he’s probably been one of those two, if not both, throughout the year. He’s done a nice job. He prepares as a starter each and every week. I just think he’s continuing to develop, and we would be comfortable if we had to play him.”
A captain at Harvard, Jones entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2023 with the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent his rookie season on the practice squad and was released during the middle of the season.
The Patriots signed Jones to their practice squad last year on Dec. 3. He made his NFL debut in Week 18, making two tackles.
This offseason, the edge rusher was named a Patriots offseason award winner. He was cut at the end of training camp and signed back to the team’s practice squad.
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