Report: Patriots "Not Optimistic" That DE Chandler Jones Will Return This Season

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The New England Patriots, per a published report, will be without defensive end Chandler Jones for at least six weeks due to a hip injury.

However, as reported by Mike Wilkening of NBC's Pro Football Talk, "Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports the Patriots “fear” it’s possible that Jones, if he heals slowly, could miss all of the regular season. The Herald noted the Patriots “were not optimistic” about Jones being out as little as six weeks after suffering the injury on Oct. 16 vs. the Jets, with that recovery rate regarded as optimal."

Howe suggests that the earliest date Jones could return would be Week 13 against the Green Bay Packers. The 24-year-old currently leads the team in sacks with 4.5, putting together an impressive follow-up to his career-best 11.5 sacks in 2013.

The Patriots used their "injured reserve/designated for return" option on defensive lineman Sealver Silva back in September, so the Patriots will have to function a player short for several weeks if they feel Jones can actually return this year.

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