Charlie Jones Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Patriots vs Bengals game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Nov 4, 2025
Makes house call
Jones took the opening kickoff back for a touchdown in Sunday's loss to the Bears, and managed 179 kick return yards plus 12 punt return yards in total.
ANALYSIS
This is the second time in Jones's career that he's taken a kick return for a touchdown to begin the game, doing the same last year in Cleveland. He now has three games this season with over 100 kick return yards.
Oct 23, 2025
Logs full practice Thursday
Jones (ribs) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Jones' ability to practice in full Thursday indicates that he is past his rib injury and on track to play against the Jets on Sunday. The 2023 fourth-rounder has mostly served as a returner on special teams and has recorded 423 yards on 18 kickoff returns and 78 yards on punt returns through seven regular-season games.
Oct 22, 2025
Still working through rib injury
Jones (ribs) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones was cleared of a rib injury to play in the Bengals' Week 7 win over the Steelers, when he played two snaps on special teams and recorded a fair catch on a punt. He's still nursing the injury, but a full practice Thursday or Friday would put him on track toward being available for Sunday's game against the Jets.
Oct 16, 2025
Green light to play vs. Pittsburgh
Jones (ribs) is active for Thursday's game against the Steelers.
ANALYSIS
Jones saw his practice snaps limited on a short week due to a rib injury, but the 2023 fourth-rounder has been cleared to play in Thursday's AFC North clash. Jones has logged 423 yards on kickoff returns and 78 yards on punt returns through six regular-season games.
Oct 15, 2025
Chance to play vs. Pittsburgh
Jones (ribs) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice and is listed as questionable for Thursday's game against the Steelers, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones was able to overcome an Achilles injury to play in Sunday's 27-18 loss to the Packers, but he picked up a rib injury in the process. He was able to practice Wednesday in a limited capacity, giving him a chance to play in Thursday's AFC North bout. Jermaine Burton and Samaje Perine would likely serve as the Bengals' returners on kickoffs and punts if Jones is not cleared to suit up.
Oct 14, 2025
DNP again Tuesday
Jones (ribs) was estimated as a DNP on Tuesday's practice report, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones has posted back-to-back DNP estimates to begin the week, putting his status in jeopardy for Thursday night against the Steelers. If Jones can't play, Jermaine Burton would make sense as the next man up to handle return duties for the Bengals.
Oct 13, 2025
Estimated as DNP
Jones (ribs) was estimated as a DNP on Monday's practice report, Jay Morrison of SI.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones must have injured his ribs in Sunday's loss to the Packers, as he went into that contest battling some Achilles pain before being cleared to play. Jones has logged just four offensive snaps all season but handles kickoff and punt returns for the Bengals. If Jones is unable to play Thursday night against the Steelers, Jermaine Burton could get the call to handle return duties.
Oct 10, 2025
Cleared to face Packers
Jones (Achilles) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game against the Packers, Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones upgraded to full practice participation Friday after a pair of limited sessions. He played through this injury in the Week 5 loss to the Lions and should handle his usual role as a special teams return man on punts and kickoffs against the Packers.
Oct 8, 2025
Limited to open week
Jones (Achilles) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones was dealing with an Achilles injury heading into the Bengals' Week 5 clash against the Lions. He was cleared to play in that contest and finished the game with 154 yards on six kickoff returns and six yards on one punt return (along with three fair catches) in Sunday's 37-24 loss. The 2023 fourth-rounder is still working through his Achilles injury, but he would avoid an injury designation heading into Week 6 against the Packers if he were to upgrade to a full practice participant over the next two days.
Oct 5, 2025
Good to go against Detroit
Jones (Achilles) is active for Sunday's game against the Lions, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones drew the questionable tag for Sunday's game despite not practicing all week due to an Achilles injury. The 2023 fourth-rounder has been cleared to play despite the lack of practice and will continue to serve in a return role on special teams.
Oct 3, 2025
Questionable for Sunday
Jones (Achilles) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Lions.
ANALYSIS
Although Jones logged three consecutive DNPs during the Bengals' week of practice, he's got a chance to suit up Sunday. The Purdue product has tallied 238 total return yards over Cincinnati's first four games this season. If he's sidelined in Week 5, Jermaine Burton is likely to serve as the team's top return specialist.
Oct 2, 2025
Doesn't practice Thursday
Jones (Achilles) did not participate in Thursday's practice, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones has opened the week with back-to-back DNPs due to an Achilles injury, though he was able to work off to the side during Thursday's session. He would likely have to log at least a limited practice Friday in order to have a realistic chance of playing in Sunday's home game against the Lions. Jones has primarily served on special teams as a returner this season, so his absence would open the door for Jermaine Burton and Samaje Perine to take on those duties.
Oct 1, 2025
DNP with Achilles injury
Jones (Achilles) did not practice Wednesday, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
It's a new injury for Jones, who has played in all four games this season. He's seen just four snaps on offense for the Bengals, but Jones handles returner duties for Cincinnati.
May 28, 2025
Active at OTAs
Jones (groin) participated during OTAs on Tuesday, Ryan Meyer of the Bengals' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones missed Cincinnati's last regular-season game of the 2024 campaign due to a groin issue, but he seems to be back to full strength with offseason workouts underway. He was involved more as a returner last season than on offense, something that doesn't figure to change much in 2025 as long as Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins remain available.
Jan 4, 2025
Won't play against Pittsburgh
Jones (groin) is inactive for Saturday's game against the Steelers.
ANALYSIS
Jones was limited in practice all week due to a groin injury, and it appears he hasn't progressed enough in his recovery to play in Saturday's regular-season finale. He'll end the regular season with one catch for five yards across eight games. Kendric Pryor and Isaiah Williams will serve as Cincinnati's return options on kickoffs and punts due to Jones' absence.
Jan 2, 2025
Questionable for Week 18
Jones (groin) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Steelers.
ANALYSIS
Jones has been sidelined since Week 8 due to a groin injury, but he has a chance to return for Saturday's AFC North clash after logging limited practices all week. Given the playoff implications, Jones might suit up for the Bengals' regular-season finale even if he isn't at 100 percent health. Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Williams would continue to serve as Cincinnati's kick and punt returns if Jones is not cleared to play.
Dec 31, 2024
Deemed limited in practice Tuesday
Jones (groin) was estimated as a limited participant in Tuesday's practice walkthrough, Jay Morrison of SI.com reports.
ANALYSIS
A groin injury has kept Jones out of action since Week 8, though he's regularly been limited in practices over the past few weeks. While the second-year wideout wasn't playing a big role on offense prior to getting hurt, he had been serving as the Bengals' top kick and punt returner. Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Williams have been filling those roles of late with Jones out of action.
Dec 28, 2024
Will not play Saturday
Jones (groin) is listed as inactive for Saturday's matchup with the Broncos.
ANALYSIS
Jones' absence will mark his eighth straight game missed due to a groin injury. While he drew a questionable designation for the contest, he will ultimately not be able to play through it. As a result, Khalil Herbert and Isaiah Williams will continue to serve as the punt and kick returners for Cincinnati.
Dec 26, 2024
Iffy to play against Denver
Jones (groin) is questionable to play against the Broncos on Saturday after logging a limited practice Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Jones has been sidelined for the Bengals' last seven games due to a groin injury he suffered in Week 8 against the Eagles. He was a limited practice participant all week and appears to be getting closer to making his return. Khalil Herbert and Isaiah Williams would continue to serve as the Bengals' kick and punt returners if Jones is unable to play.
Dec 24, 2024
Limited in practice
Jones (groin) was a limited participant in the Bengals' practice Tuesday, Jay Morrison of SI.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones hasn't played since the team's Week 8 loss versus the Eagles but is now closer to making his return. If the 26-year-old ends up being able to play Saturday versus the Broncos, he will likely resume his role as the team's top return specialist.
Dec 22, 2024
Out Week 16
Jones (groin) is listed as inactive for Sunday's game versus the Browns.
ANALYSIS
Jones has been sidelined since Week 8, but he appears to be inching closer to a return. However, that will have to wait another week. As a result, Khalil Herbert and Isaiah Williams figure to remain the Bengals' top kick and punt returners.
Dec 20, 2024
Questionable for Sunday
Jones (groin) is questionable for Sunday's game against the Browns.
ANALYSIS
Jones' groin injury has kept him out since Week 8, and he's now at risk of missing yet another outing. The second-year will likely remain the kick and punt returner if he's able to return against Cleveland but if unable to play, Khalil Herbert and Isaiah Williams are primed to be Cincinnati's top kick and punt returners, respectively.
Dec 18, 2024
Limited Wednesday
Jones (groin) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones has been sidelined for the Bengals' last seven games due to a groin injury, so Wednesday's limited session could be a sign he's nearing a return to the field. The second-year wideout from Purdue's practice participation Thursday and Friday will likely offer the best indication into whether he can return in Week 16, when the Bengals host the Browns. If Jones misses his eighth consecutive game Sunday, expect Khalil Herbert and Isaiah Williams to serve as Cincinnati's top kick and punt returners, respectively.
Dec 15, 2024
Inactive Sunday
Jones (groin) is inactive for Sunday's matchup with the Titans.
ANALYSIS
The kick and punt returner got in a limited practice session Friday after missing the sessions earlier in the week, but he will now sit for the seventh straight game due to the groin injury. Khalil Herbert and Isaiah Williams should serve as the top kick and punt returners, respectively, in Jones' place.
Dec 13, 2024
Could return in Week 15
Jones (groin) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Titans.
ANALYSIS
Jones upgraded to limited practice Friday after opening the week with consecutive DNPs, giving himself a chance to suit up for the Bengals' Week 15 contest. However, if the second-year pro from Purdue is forced to miss his sixth game in a row due to a groin injury Sunday, expect Khalil Herbert and Isaiah Williams to serve as Cincinnati's top kick and punt returners, respectively.
Dec 11, 2024
Estimated as DNP on Wednesday
Jones (groin) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report.
ANALYSIS
Jones has missed five consecutive games and doesn't appear particularly close to a return. Isaiah Williams has handled punt-return duties in Jones' absence.
Dec 9, 2024
Inactive for Week 14
Jones (groin) is inactive for Monday night's game against the Cowboys.
ANALYSIS
Jones will miss his fifth straight contest, allowing Isaiah Williams and Jermaine Burton to handle more returner duties for Cincinnati.
Dec 7, 2024
Questionable for Week 14
Jones (groin) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Cowboys.
ANALYSIS
Jones was limited in practice all week due to a groin injury, which has kept him sidelined for the Bengals' last four games. If he were to return for Monday's game, Jones would likely reclaim his spot as the Bengals' top kick and punt returner, otherwise those roles would be filled by Jermaine Burton and Isaiah Williams.
Dec 5, 2024
Limited to open week
Jones (groin) was a limited participant in Thursday's practice.
ANALYSIS
Jones has been sidelined for the Bengals' last four games due to a groin injury. He'll likely have to log a full practice at least once over the next two days in order to be cleared to play against the Cowboys on Monday. Jones played in the first eight games of the regular season and logged one catch for five yards while adding 200 kick return yards and one touchdown.
Dec 1, 2024
Won't suit up Sunday
Jones (groin) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Steelers.
ANALYSIS
Jones was limited Wednesday and Thursday before not practicing Friday and drawing a doubtful tag. The second-year wideout has played a limited offensive role this season but has been Cincinnati's top kick returner over the last four weeks. In Jones' absence, rookie Jermaine Burton may get more kick-return opportunities.
Nov 29, 2024
Not expected to play Week 13
Jones (groin) is doubtful to suit up Sunday against Pittsburgh.
ANALYSIS
Jones was able to log a limited practice both Wednesday and Thursday but was then a DNP on Friday, and it's likely that he'll miss his fourth straight game. The second-year wideout hasn't played more than 11 snaps on offense in any contest this season, but he was working as the Bengals' top kick returner prior to getting hurt. That role figures to be filled by Jermaine Burton on Sunday with Jones out of action.
Nov 27, 2024
Still dealing with groin injury
Jones (groin) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones missed the Bengals' last three games due to a groin injury. The Week 12 bye appears to have helped his recovery process as he was able to log a limited practice Wednesday. Jones will have two more chances to increase his practice participation ahead of Sunday's game against the Steelers.
Nov 15, 2024
Won't play Week 11
Jones (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Chargers, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Sunday will be Jones' third straight missed contest. He hasn't caught a pass since the Week 1 opener. With Tee Higgins (quadriceps) tentatively expected to play against Los Angeles, Trenton Irwin and Jermaine Burton will head back to the bench for the Bengals.
Nov 13, 2024
Logs DNP Wednesday
Jones (groin) didn't practice Wednesday, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones has missed the Bengals' last two games with the injury. He's seen just 26 snaps on offense this season, catching his only target for five yards way back in Week 1.
Nov 7, 2024
Won't play vs. Baltimore
Jones (groin) is inactive for Thursday night's game against the Ravens.
ANALYSIS
Jones has been listed as a DNP all week due to a groin injury, and as a result, the 2023 fourth-round pick will be sidelined for a second straight game. His next chance at suiting up will be Week 11 against the Chargers on Sunday, Nov. 17. With Jones inactive, Chase Brown and Trenton Irwin will likely serve as the kick and punt returners, respectively, for the Bengals on Thursday.
Nov 6, 2024
Unlikely for Week 10
Jones (groin) has been listed as doubtful for Thursday's game against the Ravens.
ANALYSIS
Jones missed the team's Week 9 win over the Raiders due to the injury and appears set to miss a second-straight game. His likely absence wouldn't impact the Bengals' offense, but it would leave them down their return man. Trenton Irwin would likely be cast in the role again, assuming Jones is inactive.
Nov 5, 2024
Draws DNP label again
Jones (groin) was listed as a non-participant on Tuesday's estimated injury report, Jay Morrison of SI.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones picked up a groin injury in the lead up to the Bengals' Week 9 game against the Raiders, which was serious enough for him to sit out. His practice participation Wednesday will give a clearer indication on whether he'll be good to go against the Ravens on Thursday.
Nov 4, 2024
Estimated as DNP
Jones (groin) was listed as a non-participant on Monday's practice estimation.
ANALYSIS
Jones was held out of the Bengals' Week 9 win over the Raiders after likely sustaining a groin injury in practice earlier in the week. The second-year pro will almost certainly need to upgrade to at least limited participation either Tuesday or Wednesday in order to suit up for Cincinnati's Week 10 matchup against the Ravens on Thursday night.
Nov 3, 2024
Sitting out Sunday
Jones (groin) is inactive for Sunday's Week 9 battle against the Raiders.
ANALYSIS
Jones popped up on the injury report with a groin injury Thursday and wasn't able to practice Friday. That wasn't a good sign heading into the weekend, and the second-year wideout is now set to miss his first game this season. Jones' absence will be felt particularly in the return game, as he's been handling kickoff and punt returns for the Bengals, and notched a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in Week 7 against Cleveland. Trenton Irwin and/or Chase Brown may be asked to return kicks in Jones' stead Sunday.
Nov 1, 2024
Questionable for Sunday
Jones (groin) is listed as questionable ahead of Sunday's matchup against the Raiders, Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
ANALYSIS
The second-year wide receiver from Purdue downgraded from a limited practice session Thursday to a DNP on Friday, suggesting he could be trending toward not playing Sunday. If Jones can't play through his groin issue in Week 9, Chase Brown and Trenton Irwin are expected to take over as the Bengals' top kick and punt returners, respectively.
Oct 31, 2024
Pops up on injury report
Jones (groin) was a limited practice participant Thursday, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones was able to practice in full Wednesday, but he was limited during Thursday's session, indicating that he may have picked up a groin injury during practice. The severity of the injury isn't clear, but Friday's practice report should provide clarity on his status heading into Sunday's game against the Raiders. Jones has served as the Bengals' primary return man this season, but if he's unable to play, Chase Brown and Trenton Irwin would be the top candidates to handle kickoff and punt return duties Sunday.
Oct 21, 2024
Opens scoring for the Bengals
Jones returned the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown in Sunday's 21-14 win over the Browns.
ANALYSIS
Jones received the kickoff on the goal line and blew past defenders, not getting touched until he reached midfield when he was grazed by kicker Dustin Hopkins. Tony Brown and D'Anthony Bell both made attempts to bring him down and nearly pushed him out of bounds, but the Purdue product remained upright and narrowly dove into the end zone while hitting the pylon. It was Jones' first career kick return for a touchdown, although he did return a punt for a touchdown during his rookie campaign.
Oct 14, 2024
Light role on offense in Week 6
Jones didn't draw a target on either of his two snaps on offense and returned a kickoff for 31 yards and three punts for 13 yards in Sunday's 17-7 win over the Giants.
ANALYSIS
Jones hasn't been targeted since Week 1 and has now played five snaps on offense or fewer in each of the past five games. Though he appears to be an injury or two away from carving out a meaningful role at receiver, Jones' standing as the Bengals' top kickoff and punt returner will allow him to remain active on game days.
Sep 17, 2024
Not involved in loss
Jones failed to record a single target in Sunday's 26-25 loss to the Chiefs.
ANALYSIS
Jones saw a decrease in playing time in Week 2, seeing the field for just two offensive snaps against the Chiefs after playing eight snaps in Week 1. With just 10 offensive snaps through the Bengals' first two contests, the second-year wideout should remain far off the fantasy radar going forward, especially with teammate Tee Higgins (hamstring) nearing a return to the field. The Bengals host the Commanders in Week 3.
Sep 11, 2024
Targeted once against Patriots
Jones caught his lone target for five yards in Sunday's 16-10 loss to the Patriots.
ANALYSIS
Jones was minimally involved in the Bengals struggling offense Sunday, playing just eight of Cincinnati's 51 offensive snaps. Buried on the Bengals' receiver depth chart, the second-year wideout should remain far off the fantasy radar when the Bengals visit the Chiefs in Week 2, especially if teammate Tee Higgins (hamstring) returns to the lineup.
Aug 15, 2024
Practices again
Jones (knee) returned to practice Thursday.
ANALYSIS
The wide receiver last practiced a week ago but was carted off after banging knees with a defender. Jones is competing for a role as a depth receiver and return man. The 2023 fourth-round pick caught seven passes for 64 yards and no scores as a rookie.
Aug 10, 2024
Dealing with knee injury
Head coach Zac Taylor told reporters Saturday that Jones is week-to-week due to a knee injury he sustained during practice Thursday, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones was carted off the practice field Thursday after banging knees with a defender during drills. He was unable to put weight on his leg following the incident, but it appears he has avoided serious injury for the time being. The 2023 fourth-round pick missed Saturday's 17-14 preseason loss to the Bucs, and he'll look to be available for the Bengals' second preseason contest against the Bears on Aug. 17.
Aug 8, 2024
Carted off practice field
Jones (undisclosed) was carted off the field during Thursday's practice, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Per Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic, Jones couldn't put weight on his leg as he got into the cart, so it looks like the wideout could miss some time. Prior to his injury, Jones had been competing with Andrei Iosivas, Jermaine Burtonand Trenton Irwin for slotting behind top WRs Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Jan 16, 2024
Three catches in finale
Jones had three catches for 49 yards in the Bengals' regular season finale win over the Browns. He finished the season with seven catches for 64 yards on nine targets.
ANALYSIS
Jones made his biggest impact in the season back in Week 2 with a punt return touchdown against the Ravens. The punt return role will most likely be his primary job in 2024 as well, even with potential changes on the Bengals' depth chart at wide receiver.
Dec 20, 2023
Targeted three times in win
Jones secured two of three targets for 10 yards in Saturday's 27-24 win over the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
Jones played on just four of the Cincinnati's 70 offensive snaps Saturday, the fewest of any Bengals pass catcher. The wideout's two grabs were his first since Week 3, as Jones has only been targeted in two of the eight games he has appeared in. Based on his extremely limited usage in the passing game, the rookie will be far off the fantasy radar when the Bengals visit the Steelers for a Week 16 matchup.
Dec 7, 2023
Limited role on offense
Jones went without a target while playing one of the Bengals' 73 offensive snaps in Monday's 34-31 win over the Jaguars.
ANALYSIS
Since being reinstated from injured reserve Week 11 after missing six straight contests with a thumb injury, Jones has logged just six snaps on offense over three games. He'll likely continue to handle a limited role at receiver moving forward, though Jones should be active on a weekly basis due to his duties as the Bengals' punt returner.
Nov 16, 2023
Available for Thursday's game
Jones (thumb) is active for Thursday night's game against the Ravens.
ANALYSIS
Jones, who last saw game action in Week 3, came off IR ahead of Thursday's contest and will provide the Bengals with WR depth behind Ja'Marr Chase, Tyler Boyd and Trenton Irwin, with both Tee Higgins (hamstring) and Andrei Iosivas (knee) unavailable. Additionally, the 2023 fourth-rounder will have a chance to resume his punt return role with the team in Week 11.
Nov 16, 2023
Activated from injured reserve
The Bengals activated Jones (thumb) from injured reserve Thursday.
ANALYSIS
It paves the way for Jones to play Thursday night against the Ravens. He's officially listed as questionable. If he does suit up, Jones will likely regain return man duties and see a sprinkling of snaps on offense with Tee Higgins (hamstring) sidelined again.
Nov 11, 2023
Won't play Week 10
Jones (thumb) has been ruled out of Sunday's game against the Texans, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
ANALYSIS
The Bengals designated Jones to return from IR on Wednesday. Although the team will be without Tee Higgins (hamstring) and Ja'Marr Chase (back) is listed as questionable, Jones will wait at least another week before making his return. Cincinnati called up wide receivers Shed Jackson and Stanley Morgan from the practice squad Saturday.
Nov 10, 2023
Questionable versus Houston
Jones (thumb) is questionable for Sunday's Week 10 game against the Texans, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones remains on injured reserve but is eligible to return this week against Houston. With Tee Higgins (hamstring) out, the Bengals could feel more pressure to get Jones active, but Cincinnati should be in okay shape with Ja'Marr Chase (back, questionable), Tyler Boyd, Trenton Irwin and Andrei Iosivas, as long as Chase does indeed play.
Nov 8, 2023
Nearing return
Jones (thumb) was designated to return from IR on Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Jones will now have a 21-day window to practice with the team before he needs to be added to the 53-man roster. However, the 2023 fourth-round selection could return as soon as Sunday against the Texans. Although he only played three snaps on offense in three contests before he suffered the thumb injury, the 25-year-old was operating as the team's punt returner, a role he'll work to get back once he retakes the field.
Nov 1, 2023
Could be back Week 10
Jones (thumb) has a chance to return from injured reserve in Week 10 against the Texans but won't have his 21-day practice window opened before Sunday's game against the Bills, per coach Zac Taylor, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones won't return at his first opportunity Sunday, but the rookie wide receiver's absence could be drawing to a close. He didn't contribute much on offense when healthy over the first three weeks of the season, but Jones showed off his shiftiness on special teams, scoring a punt return touchdown in Week 2. Jones will likely return to practice and have his 21-day window to return from injured reserve opened when the Bengals begin preparing to face Houston in Week 10.
Sep 29, 2023
Lands on IR
The Bengals placed Jones (thumb) on IR on Friday.
ANALYSIS
Jones, who suffered a thumb injury during Monday night's game against the Rams, will thus miss at least four games, meaning the earliest he could be back in action is Nov. 5 against the Bills. While the 2023 fourth-rounder has been limited to one catch for six yards in three game to date, his absence represents a hit to the Bengals' special teams, as Jones has been serving as the team's primary punt returner.
Sep 29, 2023
Ruled out against Titans
Jones (thumb) won't play Sunday against the Titans, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones will suffer the first absence of his young NFL career. The rookie wide receiver has just one catch for six yards on two targets through three games, but Jones has provided a spark in the return game, as he took a punt return to the house from 81 yards away in Week 2. With Jones sidelined in Tennessee, Chris Evans or Trayveon Williams will likely return kickoffs, while Trenton Irwin handles punt returns.
Sep 28, 2023
Misses another practice
Jones (thumb) did not participate during Bengals' practice Thursday, Kelsey Conway of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones has missed his second consecutive day of practice as he continues to deal with a thumb injury. Cincinnati's return man has accumulated 150 return yards and one touchdown on eight opportunities through his first three weeks. If the Purdue product were to miss Sunday's game against Tennessee, Trenton Irwin would likely assume the punt return duties.
Sep 27, 2023
Estimated as DNP Wednesday
Jones (thumb) was listed as DNP for Wednesday's estimated practice report, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Originally, Jones was expected to be limited Wednesday, but the Bengals gave him the DNP status for their walkthrough. Selected 131st overall in this year's NFL Draft, Jones has played three offensive snaps but has been an asset on special teams as a punt returner, taking one back 81 yards for a touchdown in Week 2.
Sep 27, 2023
Working through hand injury
Jones (hand) will be a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Ben Baby of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones likely suffered the injury in the team's 19-16 win over the Rams on Monday. Details of the injury and how severe it may be are unknown, but his ability to at least get on the field Wednesday is a positive. If he's unable to play Week 4 against the Titans, Chris Evans and Trenton Irwin would be candidates to take over return duties for the Bengals.
Sep 20, 2023
Ends team return TD drought
Jones returned a punt for an 81-yard touchdown in the Bengals' 27-24 loss to the Ravens on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
The rookie fourth-round pick out of Purdue has yet to line up at receiver through his first two NFL games, but he became the first Bengals player to score a touchdown in 2023 when he went untouched on a punt return to tie the game early in the second quarter. Jones' 81-yard score represented the first punt returned for a touchdown by a Bengals player since the 2012 season. Jones should continue to maintain a key role as a return man throughout his rookie season, but his opportunities on offense will likely be few and far between while all of Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd are healthy.
Aug 18, 2023
Steps up as pass catcher
Jones recorded four receptions on six targets for 36 yards in Friday's 13-13 tie against the Falcons in preseason action.
ANALYSIS
Jones is expected to see the field primarily as a special teams contributor early in his career, though he got the opportunity to show his prowess as a pass catcher Friday. He largely delivered in short areas of the field and was a reliable target for both Trevor Siemian and Jake Browning. Jones still had a miscue by committing an offensive pass interference penalty, leaving him with an uneven offensive performance through two preseason appearances.
Aug 7, 2023
Back from shoulder injury
Jones (shoulder) returned to practice Monday, Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones suffered a shoulder injury the previous Thursday but has regained health after a short absence. The rookie fourth-round pick out of Purdue is slated to make his NFL debut when the Bengals take on the Packers in preseason play Friday.
Aug 4, 2023
Diagnosed with shoulder issue
Coach Zac Taylor said Jones is considered "day-to-day" with a shoulder injury, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones was carted off Thursday but appears to have avoided anything serious. Selected in the fourth round of the 2023 Draft, Jones is competing for returner duties and a role on offense behind Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd.
Aug 3, 2023
Exits Thursday's practice
Jones left Thursday's practice on a cart after trainers checked out his left arm, Kelsey Conway of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
ANALYSIS
Conway notes that prior to suffering his injury, Jones hauled in an impressive TD catch during the session. The 2023 fourth-rounder currently slots in behind the Bengals' top WR trio of Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd, which caps his short-term fantasy value, but assuming his arm issue isn't serious, Jones is in line to work in a complementary pass-catching role for the team as a rookie.
Apr 29, 2023
Added by Cincinnati in fourth round
The Bengals selected Jones in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 131st overall.
ANALYSIS
Jones (5-foot-11, 175 pounds) was very productive for Purdue in 2022, but he did very little in the five prior years while transferring from Buffalo, to Iowa, to Purdue. It's great that Jones caught 110 passes for 1,361 yards and 12 touchdowns last year, but it pointedly still is not impressive for a 24-year-old player, especially one who produced just 718 yards in the prior five seasons. At least Jones tested well at the combine, logging a 4.43-second 40 and 124-inch broad jump. In any case, Jones will begin his pro career behind Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd on the Bengals' wide receiver depth chart.
Apr 29, 2023
Added by Cincinnati in fourth round
The Bengals selected Jones in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 131st overall.
ANALYSIS
Jones (5-foot-11, 175 pounds) was very productive for Purdue in 2022, but he did very little in the five prior years while transferring from Buffalo, to Iowa, to Purdue. It's great that Jones caught 110 passes for 1,361 yards and 12 touchdowns last year, but it pointedly still is not impressive for a 24-year-old player, especially one who produced just 718 yards in the prior five seasons. At least Jones tested well at the combine, logging a 4.43-second 40 and 124-inch broad jump. In any case, Jones will begin his pro career behind Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd on the Bengals' wide receiver depth chart.