The New England Patriots have re-signed rookie tight end Justin Jones, who was released by the team on Aug. 10.
The 6-foot-8, 275-pound Jones played in the preseason opener but was let go three days later with Bill Belichick saying, "We're looking for guys that are improving and when they stop making improvements then ... you feel like you've got to move on."
While Jones might not have been improving at the desired rate, he adds depth at a position where the Patriots are thin because the top three players on the depth chart -- Rob Gronkowski, Michael Hoomanawanui and D.J. Williams -- are either limited at practice or not practicing at all because of health-related matters.
Steve Maneri , who was one of the tight ends signed to replace Jones last Sunday, played 68 of 91 snaps in Friday's preseason game against the Eagles as the lone pure tight end available to the club.
Tom Curran of Comcast SportsNet first reported news of Jones' re-signing.
