Patriots release cornerback and punt returner Cyrus Jones

The New England Patriots released cornerback and punt returner Cyrus Jones on Saturday, per the NFL transaction wire, for the second time this year.

The New England Patriots released cornerback and punt returner Cyrus Jones on Saturday, per the NFL transaction wire, for the second time this year.

Jones rejoined the Patriots on Sept. 19 and played 10 snaps on defence and 12 on special teams between Weeks 3 and 4, tallying five punt returns for 45 yards against the Miami Dolphins last Sunday. He was inactive Thursday night against the Indianapolis Colts, as Julian Edelman returned from suspension and took over as New England's punt returner.

A second-round pick by the Patriots in 2016, Jones was among the team's final cuts on Sept. 1 and then joined the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad before the Patriots re-signed him.

The 24-year-old missed all of 2017 after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the preseason finale. He played in 10 games as a rookie, totalling 46 yards on 11 punt returns and 180 yards on eight kick returns while fumbling five times.

Edelman appears likely to man New England's punt-returner job moving forward. He had two returns for 20 yards Thursday night. Cordarrelle Patterson is the team's primary kick returner, and rookie Sony Michel has been used there as well.

It's unclear who will fill the open roster spot, but the Patriots currently have just two running backs -- Michel and James White -- on the roster. Former Patriot Mike Gillislee could be an option after being released by the New Orleans Saints.

(With inputs from agencies.)