As they prepare for their Week 9 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons this weekend at Gillette Stadium, the Pats, as first reported by ESPN’s Mike Reiss, are planning to sign rookie safety John Saunders Jr. off the Miami Dolphins practice squad. The 24-year-old signed with the Dolphins as an undrafted rookie free agent earlier this year.

The New England Patriots have reached a contract extension with Marcus Jones, the cornerback and electrifying punt returner. Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network first reported the extension on Tuesday afternoon. The NFL insiders reported that the deal includes three new years. Financial details of the extension were not immediately known.