Justin Jones Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Jaguars vs Cardinals game on Sunday with our National Football League injury report.Aug 28, 2025
Placed on IR with knee injury
The Cardinals placed Jones on injured reserve Thursday due to a knee injury, Darren Urban of the team's official site reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones suffered a season-ending triceps injury in Week 3 of the 2024 season, and while he's fully recovered from that injury, he's now working through a knee issue that kept him sidelined for most of training camp. The 2018 third-rounder will be required to miss at least the first four games of the regular season, making Week 5 against the Titans on Sunday, Oct. 5 the earliest he can play.
Jun 2, 2025
Back with the team
Jones is participating in OTAs after suffering a season-ending triceps injury in September of last year, Jess Root of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
The defensive end started all three games he played in last season after signing a three-year, $30.1-million free-agent deal with the Cardinals in March of 2024. Altogether, he has started 74 of the 90 games he's played in across a seven-year career with the Chargers, Bears and Cardinals. At defensive end, Arizona has Josh Sweat, who signed a four-year, $76.4-million deal with the team in March, and Darius Robinson, a 2024 first-round pick who only played in six games as a rookie due to a calf issue, but Jones should be in the mix for a leading role again.
Sep 25, 2024
Moves to IR
Jones (triceps) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
Jones' injury is of the season-ending variety, according to Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official site. His absence will be a blow to Arizona's defensive front, and lead to extra opportunities for Dante Stills and Victor Dimukeje moving forward.
Sep 22, 2024
Done for day with triceps injury
Jones exited Sunday's game against the Lions with a triceps injury and will not return.
ANALYSIS
Prior to leaving, Jones recorded one tackles (one solo) and entered Week 3 with three tackles (two solo) and one fumble recovery. His absence opens more playing time for Dante Stills up front for Arizona.
Mar 11, 2024
Signing with Arizona
Jones is slated to sign a three-year, $30.1 million deal with the Cardinals on Wednesday, Peter Schrager of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
The contract will include $19.75 million in guaranteed money, per Schrager. Jones recorded career highs in solo tackles (29), sacks (4.5) and passes defensed (four) in 2023 with the Bears. The sixth-year pro also played more than 700 defensive snaps for the second straight season.
Jan 8, 2024
Set to hit free agency
Jones tallied two stops in the Bears' 17-9 loss to the Packers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
After playing the first four years of his career with the Chargers, Jones has had the best two years of his career with the Bears. During his time in Los Angeles, he hadn't played more than 526 snaps in a season, but Jones played 718 snaps in 2022 and 720 snaps this year. He finished the season with 49 tackles and a career-high 4.5 sacks. Jones is now an unrestricted free agent as he enters his age-27 season.
Dec 25, 2023
Up to 4.5 sacks this season
Jones tallied three tackles and a sack in the Bears' 27-16 win over the Cardinals on Monday.
ANALYSIS
Jones has 3.5 sacks over his last six games, which has coincided with the Bears defense showing vast improvement. However, his tackle totals have been inconsistent on a weekly basis, making him a volatile weekly IDP option.
Dec 10, 2023
Best game of season
Jones posted 1.5 sacks and six tackles in the Bears' 28-13 win over the Lions on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Jones has recorded at least three stops in six of his last eight games. As a defensive tackle, he has shown a solid weekly scoring floor which is enhanced when he posts a sack.
Nov 10, 2023
Collects second sack of season
Jones tallied four tackles and a sack in the Bears' 16-13 win over the Panthers on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Jones has posted between two and four tackles in seven of 10 games while adding two sacks on the season. He remains a steady floor play at defensive tackle in IDP leagues.
Oct 15, 2023
Big tackle numbers
Jones tallied seven tackles in the Bears' 19-13 loss to the Vikings on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Jones came into this game averaging two tackles per game with a high of four, so his seven tackles represented a huge game for the defensive tackle. It's likely that this performance is an aberration for the six-year veteran who is coming off a career-high 52 tackles last season.
Jan 8, 2023
Best season of career
Jones tallied three tackles in the Bears' 29-13 loss to the Vikings in Week 18, and ended the season with 52 tackles, three sacks and a fumble recovery over 17 games played.
ANALYSIS
After playing his first four years with the Chargers, Jones posted the highest tackle total of his career, averaging three per contest. He also tied his career high in sacks with three. He averaged over 40 snaps per game as a lead defensive tackle in a rotation, and he should retain that role going forward. He's under contract with the team through the 2023 season.
Jan 1, 2023
Posts third sack of season
Jones tallied a sack and six tackles in the Bears' 41-10 loss to the Lions on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Jones posted more than three tackles for the second time since Week 4 while getting back in the sack column for the first time since Week 5. He'll remain a volatile IDP option in Week 18 against the Vikings.
Oct 9, 2022
Second sack of season
Jones tallied a sack and a tackle in the Bears' 29-22 loss to the Vikings on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Jones has been an inconsistent fantasy option this season. He has three games with three tackles or fewer along with two games with six or more stops. However, he's notched sacks in two of the last three games, and if he can keep getting to the quarterback, he'll increase his overall upside.
Oct 7, 2022
No injury designation for Week 5
Jones doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
Jones landed on the injury report Thursday as a limited participant due to a hip injury. However, he returned to full participation Friday and will be good to go for Week 5. The 2018 third-round pick has played over 60 percent of the team's defensive snaps in each of the first four games of the season, totaling 19 tackles and one sack.
Oct 6, 2022
Pops up on injury report
Jones (hip) was a limited participant during the Bears' practice Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Jones appears to have picked up a hip injury after not being listed on the Bears' injury report Wednesday, though the nature of this issue is still unclear. The defensive tackle recorded 19 tackles and one sack while playing all but 20 of his 185 snaps on defense through four games this season. If Jones' status declines or stays the same during practice Friday, then Mike Pennel and Armon Watts could see increased usage this Sunday against Minnesota.
Sep 25, 2022
First sack with Chicago
Jones tallied a sack and a tackle in the Bears' 23-20 win over the Texans on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Aside from an eight-tackle performance in Week 2, Jones has recorded exactly two tackles in each of his other two games. He's already shown upside, but his early results indicate he could be an inconsistent IDP producer.
Sep 19, 2022
Posts eight stops
Jones tallied eight tackles in the Bears' 27-10 loss to the Packers on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
After notching two tackles in the season opener, the Packers leaned heavily on their running game, placing Jones squarely in the center of the action for much of the contest. This was his highest tackle total over the last two seasons, so this single performance isn't indicative of what should be expected in terms of IDP production. Over the course of the season, if he averaged four tackles, that would be considered a successful season.
Aug 30, 2022
Locks down roster spot
Jones is one of four defensive tackles to make the Bears' 53-man roster,
ANALYSIS
Jones is expected to start and be the primary penetrator on the Bears' interior defensive line. Although he'll rotate with teammates, he's coming off career highs of 37 tackles and three sacks in just 460 snaps over 11 games last year. It's reasonable to expect similar IDP production from his time with the Chargers.
Jul 31, 2022
Set to start at defensive tackle
Jones is expected to be used as the primary penetrator on the Bears' interior defensive line Josh Schrock of NBCsports.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Last season, Jones recorded three sacks and 18 pressures while playing in a different defensive scheme with the Chargers. In coach Matt Eberflus' defense, the three technique is a role that is expected to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With only 4.5 sacks over four NFL season and no more than 37 tackles in any season, Jones may not be a high-priority selection in IDP drafts.
Mar 18, 2022
Signs two-year deal with Chicago
Jones signed a two-year deal with the Bears on Friday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones, who was drafted by the Chargers in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, appeared in at least 10 games in all four seasons with Los Angeles and registered at least 30 tackles in each of the past three campaigns. He also notched a career-high three sacks in 2021. Jones figures to try and replace Akiem Hicks, who is a free agent this offseason after spending the last six seasons in Chicago.
Dec 28, 2021
Activated off reserve/COVID-19 list
Jones was reinstated from the reserve/COVID-19 list Tuesday, Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones was forced to miss the Chargers' Week 16 loss to the Texans after being placed on the COVID list, but he will be ready to play ahead of the team's matchup with the Broncos on Sunday. The defensive end has racked up 11 tackles including two sacks while also forcing a fumble over his last three games.
Dec 24, 2021
Added to reserve/COVID-19 list
Jones was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list Friday, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones has been playing well of late, racking up 17 tackles and two sacks over his past four contests. However, he's unlikely to clear league protocols in time to suit up Sunday against against Houston. The Chargers' defensive depth will be tested with Joey Bosa, Chris Rumph and Joe Gaziano also all on the COVID list.
Dec 14, 2021
Sack and fumble recovery in win
Jones recorded five tackles (four solo) along with a sack and a fumble recovery in Sunday's 37-21 win over the Giants.
ANALYSIS
Jones has now recorded a sack in each of his last two games as the young pass rusher continues to perform at a high level in the absence of Linval Joseph. The 25-year-old recovered his second fumble of the season, setting up the Chargers in great field position which led to a touchdown drive. In Thursday night's upcoming matchup against the Chiefs, Jones will need to be able to provide pressure on Patrick Mahomes or it could be a long evening for the Los Angeles defense.
Dec 12, 2021
Will be available Sunday
Jones (ankle) is active for Sunday's contest against the Giants.
ANALYSIS
Jones didn't practice Wednesday, but he was able to progress throughout the week before ultimately logging a full practice Friday. Over his last four contests, Jones has registered 18 tackles, one sack and one pass deflection.
Dec 10, 2021
Should play Sunday
Jones (knee) is considered questionable Sunday against the Giants, but head coach Brandon Staley says he's trending toward playing, Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Timesreports.
ANALYSIS
Jones was able to log a full practice Friday after being limited Thursday, so he is trending in the correct direction. If Jones were to miss, Breiden Fehoko would likely be looking at extra opportunity.
Dec 5, 2021
Questionable to return Sunday
Jones (knee) is questionable to return to Sunday's contest against the Bengals.
ANALYSIS
Jones recorded three tackles and one sack before leaving the Chargers' Week 13 contest in the second half. If he is unable to return, Breiden Fehoko will likely see increased snaps for the remainder of the contest.
Oct 30, 2021
Activated for Sunday's game
Jones (calf) has been activated from IR ahead of Sunday's game against New England.
ANALYSIS
Jones has been out since Week 1 with the issue. He'll return to his usual depth role in the Chargers' defensive-line rotation.
Oct 25, 2021
Designated to return from IR
Jones (calf) was designated to return from IR Monday, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.
ANALYSIS
By designating Jones for return, the Chargers now have 21 days to activate him to the 53-man roster. The 25-year-old defensive lineman hasn't played since Week 1 while dealing with a calf injury, but it appears he is nearing his return to the field.
Oct 4, 2021
Lands on IR
The Chargers placed Jones (calf) on injured reserve Monday.
ANALYSIS
Jones hasn't suited up since Week 1 and will miss at least the next three weeks after the move to IR. Christian Covington will likely continue to play a more prominent role during Jones' absence.
Oct 2, 2021
Remains out Monday
Jones (calf) has been ruled out for Monday night's game against the Raiders, Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones will be unavailable for a third consecutive game as he continues to recover from a calf injury that he sustained in the season opener. Christian Covington will likely see additional playing time once again Monday.
Sep 25, 2021
Downgraded to out
The Chargers listed Jones (calf) as out ahead of Sunday's matchup with the Chiefs.
ANALYSIS
As expected, Jones won't be available for the Chargers in Week 3. Christian Covington, who played 41 snaps in Week 2, is expected to once again draw the start on the defensive line.
Sep 24, 2021
Listed as doubtful for Week 2
The Chargers listed Jones (calf) as doubtful for Sunday's matchup with the Chiefs.
ANALYSIS
Jones didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday and is unlikely to play against Kansas City. If he misses his second straight contest Sunday, expect Christian Covington to once again draw the start on the defensive line.
Sep 22, 2021
Sits out practice
Jones (calf) didn't participate at Wednesday's practice, Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones picked up the calf injury during the season opener and was inactive Week 2, and he's not practicing again to start this week. The 25-year-old likely will need to practice in some capacity the next two days to have a chance of suiting up Sunday at Kansas City.
Sep 19, 2021
Won't play Sunday
Jones (calf) is inactive for Sunday's Week 2 matchup against the Cowboys, Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones didn't practice this week due to his calf injury, so it isn't very surprising to see him ruled out against Dallas. Christian Covington will likely take on a starting role in Jones' absence.
Sep 17, 2021
Deemed doubtful
Jones is listed as doubtful for Sunday's Week 2 matchup with the Cowboys.
ANALYSIS
Jones was unable to practice all week, so his doubtful designation is seemingly optimistic at this point. If he does indeed end up getting ruled out, Christian Covington would presumably be next in line to start opposite Jerry Tillery at defensive end.
Oct 24, 2020
Moves off IR list
Jones (shoulder) was activated off injured reserve Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Jones joins Melvin Ingram (knee) as the defensive-line cavalry returns just in time for the Chargers. Expect both Jones and Ingram to take over their customary starting spots in preparation to stop dangerous runner, James Robinson.
Oct 23, 2020
May return Week 7
Coach Anthony Lynn said Jones (shoulder) could be activated from IR on Saturday, Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.
ANALYSIS
In order to play Sunday against the Jaguars, Jones would need to be activated Saturday. The third-year defensive tackle started the first two games of the year before suffering this shoulder injury, so he'd likely start again if he's able to return Sunday.
Oct 19, 2020
Nearing return from IR
Jones (shoulder) was designated to return from injured reserve Monday, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones landed on injured reserve in late September with the shoulder injury, but he'll return to practice this week. The 23-year-old has could be rejoin the active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Jaguars if he illustrates he's ready at practice this week.
Sep 26, 2020
Lands on IR
The Chargers placed Jones (shoulder) on injured reserve Saturday.
ANALYSIS
The 2018 third-round pick logged a decent workload through the first two weeks, but he'll sit out the next three games. Jerry Tillery and Linval Joseph will handle starting duties still, but Cortez Broughton and Damion Square should enjoy increased usage moving forward.
Sep 25, 2020
Won't gear up Sunday
Jones (shoulder) has been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Panthers.
ANALYSIS
Jones recorded three tackles (two solo) through the first two games, but he was unable to practice all week and won't play Sunday. Expect 2019 first-round pick Jerry Tillery to start at defensive end until Jones is able to return.
Sep 24, 2020
Not practicing Thursday
Jones (shoulder) didn't suit up in Thursday's practice, Jeff Miller of the Los Angeles Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Jones suffered the injury during Sunday's win over the Chargers, as he appears to still be dealing with the issue. His practice status Friday should paint a clearer picture for his Week 3 availability, but if he can't go Sunday, look for Jerry Tillery and Damion Square to see increased snap counts.
Sep 20, 2020
Injures shoulder Sunday
Jones is questionable to return to Sunday's contest against the Chiefs due to a shoulder injury.
ANALYSIS
Jones notched a single tackle before leaving the field Sunday. Jerry Tillery and Damion Square will see increased defensive snaps as long as Jones remains sidelined.
Feb 1, 2020
Solid second season
Jones posted 30 tackles (18 solo) and a forced fumble across 12 games this season.
ANALYSIS
A shoulder injury kept Jones off the field from Week 7-10, but it was an otherwise encouraging season for the 2018 third-round pick as the nose tackle stepped into the starting role opposite Brandon Mebane and performed above expectations, particularly against the run.
Nov 14, 2019
Logs full practice Thursday
Jones (shoulder) was a full participant in practice Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Jones getting in a full practice in his first chance of the week is an excellent sign for his chances to return Monday night from a four-week absence. If he's able to continue without setbacks, his presence on the defensive line would be a boon against the Chiefs.
Nov 6, 2019
Can't play TNF
Jones (shoulder) is ruled out for Thursday's matchup against the Raiders.
ANALYSIS
Jones was a limited participant in practice all week, but he'll remain on the sidelines for a fourth straight game. Brandon Mebane (knee) is considered questionable, so both Jerry Tillery and Damion Square could assume starting roles in Jones' place. With extended rest following a Thursday night contest, Jones has a good shot to return Week 11 against the Chiefs. The second-year pro has suited up in six games this year, posting 20 tackles and a pass breakup.
Nov 3, 2019
Sitting out Week 9
Jones (shoulder) is officially inactive for Sunday's game against the Packers.
ANALYSIS
Jones only put up limited practice sessions Thursday and Friday, and will miss his third consecutive game. With fellow starter Brandon Mebane (knee) also inactive for the clash, Jerry Tillery and Damion Square are expected to get the starts at defensive tackle for Week 9.
Nov 1, 2019
Unlikely to return Week 9
Jones (shoulder) is considered doubtful for Sunday's game against the Packers.
ANALYSIS
Jones was a limited participant Thursday and Friday but is still in danger of missing his third consecutive game. Jerry Tillery should see another start at defensive tackle assuming Jones is unable to play.
Oct 25, 2019
Out again Week 8
Jones (shoulder) was ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bears.
ANALYSIS
Jones will miss his second consecutive game after suffering the shoulder injury Week 6. Jerry Tillery figures to see another start at defensive tackle in his place.
Oct 18, 2019
Won't play versus Titans
Jones (shoulder) is ruled out for Sunday's road game against the Titans.
ANALYSIS
Jones is managing a shoulder injury, and a timetable for his return remains undisclosed. Coach Anthony Lynn said Friday that Jerry Tillery will slot into the starting lineup with Jones sidelined, per Daniel Popper of The Athletic.
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