Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones is recovering from offseason surgery and has recently been walking with crutches, according to ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss.
Reiss notes that Jones has been rehabbing at the team's facilities at Gillette Stadium for the majority of the offseason, and it is his sense that there are no long-term concerns about the 25-year-old's health.
The Patriots went without Jones for six games in the middle of last season as he dealt with a hip injury. The addition of Akeem Ayers helped New England's defense deal with the void left behind by Jones, but once the every-down player was able to get back on the field, Ayers' role was reduced significantly.
As a pass-rusher and a versatile player along the defensive line, Jones, when healthy, has been among the league leaders in snap percentage for defensive linemen. (The Patriots clearly value versatile edge defenders as Rob Ninkovich has also been among the league leaders in that category.) Over his three-year career, he has racked up 167 tackles, 23.5 sacks and six forced fumbles in 40 games.
Jones has plenty of incentive to get healthy for the 2015 season. The Patriots hold a team option to retain Jones for 2016, but if they opt not to pick up the option he will hit unrestricted free agency.