FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The Washington Commanders invaded Massachusetts this week for a joint practice and preseason game against the New England Patriots, led into enemy territory by two players who know the landscape well.

Bringing with them a mixture of nostalgic appreciations and determination to grow with their new Commanders squad , defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr . and cornerback Jonathan Jones returned to their old Patriots stomping grounds, blending “bittersweet,” according to Jones, emotions and excitement about what they’re building today.

“Exciting, different, a lot of emotions,” Wise said as he wrapped his first day facing New England in Washington colors .

A 'mini reunion' with Patriots roots

By the time Wise arrived with the Patriots as a rookie in 2017, Jones was a

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