Justin

Jones

Jones was signed to a three-year, $30.1 million contract by the Cardinals this offseason after spending the last two seasons with the Bears. The veteran lineman totaled four tackles, one TFL, and one fumble recovery in the three games he appeared in this season and was expected to make a big impact along the Cardinals’ interior front. His absence creates a significant hole in a Cardinals defense that’s currently ranked 18th in points per game and 17th in yards allowed per game.

Per Fox Sports’s Peter Schrager, the deal includes $19.75 million in guaranteed money. A 2018 third-round pick with the Chargers, Jones played out his rookie deal in LA before signing a two-year contract with the Bears. He easily posted his best numbers in Chicago, notching 7.5 sacks and 22 TFLs while staying healthy and starting in all 34 games over the past two years. He also defended eight passes. The Cardinals have been active spenders on defense already, inking DT Bilal Nichols and CB Sean-Murphy Bunting to contracts as well.

This comes on the heels of Larry Ogunjobi failing a physical, undoing the contract he was set to sign with the Bears. A should injury limited Jones to 11 games last year. He totaled three sacks and five TFLs. Jones was a starting-caliber defensive lineman during his four years with the Chargers but nothing more. He projects to play a rotational role for the Bears in his fifth year in the league.

The team also activated DE Melvin Ingram. Both players haven’t suited up for the Chargers since Week 4, garnering a welcome return as early as this Sunday against the Jaguars. Both are expected to be healthy after an extended rest during Los Angeles’ bye.

Jones will now be sidelined until at least Week 6 against the Jets. Jones started Weeks 1 and 2 but was forced to depart after 20 snaps vs. the Chiefs. His injury comes at the same time Melvin Ingram (knee) was placed on the shelf. It’s a blow for the Chargers’ run defense.

Jones suffered his shoulder injury after 20 snaps against the Chiefs. Jerry Tillery, who recorded one tackle off the bench, is expected to replace him in the starting lineup against Mike Davis and the Panthers’ rushing offense.

Jones (6’3/309) manned the interior next to B.J. Hill on a star-studded Wolfpack defensive line that also included Bradley Chubb and Kentavius Street, logging 21.5 career tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. Although Jones is a mere 21st-percentile athlete, he dominated at five-technique end during Senior Bowl practices after playing three-technique tackle at NC State. Jones isn’t a high-upside prospect, but he should have a place in the NFL as a versatile rotational contributor.

Jones was overshadowed by B.J. Hill on a loaded NC State defensive line, but has a clear path to snaps with the Chargers. With Corey Liuget suspended the first four games, Jones should open the year in a rotation with Darius Philon. Jones also figures to spell NT Brandon Mebane in sub-packages.