FOXBORO — Marcus Jones flashed something of a mischievous grin after the Patriots’ 12th training camp practice on Tuesday.
The second-year, do-everything cornerback has, of course, practiced extensively in the secondary. He’s taken plenty of reps on special teams, where he was a first-team All-Pro as a rookie. But thus far, Jones has not seen a single snap on offense – where he showed promise in some opportunities last season, including scoring a touchdown on his first career offensive snap – during this camp.
Jones was asked twice Tuesday how he may be preparing for a potential offensive role. If there, he’s keeping it a secret.
“I find out when you guys find out. I can’t give you anything,” Jones said. “I don’t know anything right now, so whenever my number’s called, I’m going to make sure I’m going to be ready.”
Has Jones had any conversations with Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien?
“The most conversations I have with him is, ‘How’s your day going? My day’s going good,’” Jones said.
For now, Jones’ focus is on defense, where he’s getting much-needed reps after he had a late start last summer, when he was present at his first training camp but wearing a red non-contact jersey for most of the preseason. A year later, Patriots coach Bill Belichick noted how far along the second-year corner is compared to then.
“Way ahead of where he was last year,” Belichick said. “He wasn’t even … I don’t think he was practicing until the middle of August, late August, so with a training camp and a year under his belt, a year of regular season and the offseason, good. He’s made a lot of progress. …
“He’s done a good job, and he knows a lot more, understands more. He’s more familiar with who he’s playing against and what we’re doing.”
Despite a late start last year, Jones was still productive in his defensive opportunities as a rookie as he recorded a pair of interceptions and seven pass breakups. He’s hoping to carry that over this year with more experience and knowledge.
“I’m feeling good,” Jones said. “Like I said before, just taking it day by day, so just trying to get better versus different receivers that we have and everything like that. Just trying to take it day by day.”