Chris

Jones

The move saves the team $2 million in cap space all the while taking on $500,000 in dead money. 31-year-old Jones had been Dallas’ punter since 2011, most recently undergoing surgery for a core muscle injury in November.

He’s expected to miss multiple games. The Cowboys will promote Hunter Niswander from the practice squad to replace Jones.

Dallas signed Jones to a three-year deal upon promoting him from the practice squad late in the season. The inference is that free agent Mat McBriar, coming off surgery to remove a cyst in his leg, may have lost his job for good.

Starter Mat McBriar (questionable) suffered a left foot injury in last week’s game against the Eagles, and the Cowboys do not want to risk having Dan Bailey handling punting duties again.

It’s a sign that Mat McBriar has recovered enough from nerve damage in his left foot to handle punting chores in Week 11. Jones averaged 43 yards on three punts against the Seahawks two weeks ago.

On the roster for two games earlier this year, the rookie out of Carson-Newman will handle punting duties for the Cowboys’ most important game of the season after Mat McBriar landed on injured reserve Saturday.

Moorman was recently signed after the Bills unceremoniously released him. He had a strong first game for the Cowboys Week 4 loss to the Bears with two-of-three punts downed within the 20 yard line. Chris Jones (knee) is also listed as questionable, so the Dallas special teams could be in for a long day this weekend against the Ravens.

With Brian Moorman (groin) out and Jones banged up, Dallas worked out three punters, Daniel Sepulveda, T.J. Conley and Chas Henry, to prepare themselves in case Jones wasn’t available. None of them were signed, and Jones punted during the open media portion of Friday’s practice indicating he’s likely to play. The Cowboys leave themselves with no safety net in case Jones reaggravates his knee sprain.

Jones had missed two of the last three games due to a partially torn ACL in his left knee. The Cowboys will move forward with veteran Brian Moorman as their punter and holder.

A partially torn ACL sent Jones to injured reserve in Week 8. Veteran Brian Moorman filled in, but is now a free agent. Jones is signed for an affordable $555,000, making it likely he’ll be back.