Rob Jones’ inaugural season with the Dallas Cowboys has concluded during training camp.
Following Jones breaking a bone in his neck on July 28 during the initial padded practice, the Cowboys placed the guard on injured reserve this past Friday. He was given a recovery timeline of two to three months, yet his return to action was uncertain, prompting the Cowboys to move him to injured reserve.
He would have had the chance to come back this season had he remained on the roster until the final roster decisions later this month.
Jones had signed a one-year contract with the Cowboys for $3.75 million, including $3 million in guarantees. Before his injury, he had participated in some first-team practices but was likely positioned to serve as backup to rookie Tyler Booker at right guard. Over four seasons with the Miami Dolphins, Jones started 30 out of 49 games before joining the Cowboys.
To fill the vacancy left by Jones, the Cowboys signed running back Malik Davis. Davis had been released by the Cowboys in April after primarily being on their practice squad for the majority of the past two seasons.
With Miles Sanders sidelined due to a bruised knee and Deuce Vaughn just returning from a hamstring injury, the Cowboys were in need of additional running back support. On Thursday, rookie Jaydon Blue sustained an ankle injury during practice, leaving the Cowboys with only three completely healthy running backs: Javonte Williams, Phil Mafah, and Hunter Luepke.
