The New England Patriots might not have lost Chandler Jones for the season after all.
Jones does not have a torn labrum and will not need surgery on his injured hip, sources told CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora on Sunday. La Canfora also reported that the Patriots are “very optimistic” that the third-year defensive end will be back in the lineup come playoff time.
Jones likely will miss four weeks, according to La Canfora’s source.
The Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe reported Saturday, citing a source, that the team is “fearing the worst” for the pass rusher.
“Best case, Jones will be out six weeks from the point of the injury,” Howe wrote, “but (the Patriots)Â were not optimistic about the short end of the timetable upon the initial diagnosis.”
Jones injured his hip during New England’s win over the New York Jets. His absence creates a sizable void on a defense already missing linebacker Jerod Mayo, who was lost for the season with a knee injury.
Photo via Stew Milne/USA TODAY Sports Images
