New England Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith suffers injury in practice
New England Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith suffered a low left ankle sprain in Sunday’s practice, ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported. Although there is no timetable for his return, it is not considered to be a serious injury.
The Florida International product is coming off of his best season as a pro. He finished with career highs in targets, receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns with the Tennessee Titans. New England signed Smith as an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.
The Patriots also added tight end Hunter Henry from the Chargers.
Smith joins a New England offense with veteran Cam Newton at quarterback. They missed the playoffs for the first time in 11 seasons last year. They’ll look to bounce back and challenge Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills for the AFC East crown.
The Patriots also took Alabama quarterback Mac Jones with the 15th-overall pick in the draft. The rookie has received rave reviews from Smith in preseason camp, hinting at a possible connection in the coming seasons.
“I didn’t expect Mac to have the kind of swagger that he got,” Smith said. “Mac, hell of a guy, great energy, just bringing life to the locker room. Always laughing. Smile on his face. Loves football. You can’t ask for a better quarterback.”
When he was with the Crimson Tide, Jones put together a junior season for the record books. In the 2020-2021 college football season, Jones carved up opposing defenses to the tune of a 77.4% completion percentage, setting the all-time NCAA record in that category.
The Florida native completed 311 of his 402 pass attempts for 4,500 yards, while tossing in 41 touchdowns and just four interceptions. His surgically accurate passes not only carved up opposing SEC defenses all season but helped former Alabama receiver DeVonta Smith win the Heisman Trophy.
He guided Alabama to an undefeated season and the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship over the Ohio State Buckeyes, 52-24.
The Patriots won their first preseason game 22-13 against Washington on Thursday. Jones finished 13-of-19 for 87 yards in his NFL debut. Jonnu Smith caught one pass from Cam Newton in the first quarter for 16 yards.
No matter which quarterback is throwing him the ball, Smith should be ready for a big role in the offense once he’s healthy. He could end up being one of New England’s top receivers.
On3’s Wade Peery contributed to this article.