FOXBORO, Mass. — While not the most important storyline at Patriots training camp (that honor goes to the struggling offense), the ongoing competition for the open punt returner job is worth watching.
With 2020 All-Pro Gunner Olszewski now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, New England is in search of a new full-time punt returner. And though multiple players, such as Kyle Dugger, J.J. Taylor and Tre Nixon, have cycled in and out of punt returner drills throughout training camp, one player has been a constant: Marcus Jones.
The rookie cornerback, taken by the Patriots in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, has been involved in every punt return drill during camp, and seemingly always gets first reps.