LANDOVER, Md. -- New England Patriots defensive tackle Chris Jones is likely to miss the rest of the preseason with a left ankle injury suffered in Thursday night's preseason opener, according to a source. Jones is to have more tests today on the ankle, but the initial diagnosis is that the injury isn't a season-ending type of situation and that Jones dodged what could have been a more serious injury had it affected his knee.

The injury came on a running play late in the second quarter when fellow defensive tackle Marcus Forston rolled into his left leg as he was blocked by offensive linemen Spencer Long and Tom Compton. Jones' left leg bent awkwardly and members of the team's medical and athletic training staff took a look at Jones' lower leg area, including his knee, as he remained down after the play.

Jones initially needed help walking to the sideline, and after a brief stop on the team's bench, he walked slowly on his own to the locker room alongside members of the athletic training staff.

The Patriots' depth at defensive tackle has been thinned over the past few days, as Sealver Siliga is expected to miss time after injuring his left hand in Tuesday's practice. Now Jones is expected to be sidelined for the near future, but the initial indication is that he has avoided a more serious long-term injury.