Arizona Cardinals defensive tackle Justin Jones will miss the remainder of the 2024 season after suffering a torn triceps Sunday in a Week 3 loss to the Detroit Lions.
The Cardinals signed Naquan Jones to the roster to fill the void with Justin Jones placed on injured reserve. The 26-year-old Naquan Jones played in four games for Arizona last season and was signed off the Miami Dolphins practice squad.
Justin Jones was Arizona’s top free-agent addition this offseason as the team attempted to shore up its depth on the defensive line.
He reportedly inked a three-year, $30.1 million deal with $19.8 million of that guaranteed.
The veteran recorded one tackle before going down Sunday, which brought his tackle tally to four on the year. He had a tackle for loss and a fumble recovery.
The now-28-year-old started every game for the Bears the past two seasons, a reason the Cardinals pursued he and fellow free agent Bilal Nichols. Jones posted 4.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 17 QB hits in 2023.
Through three weeks with Arizona, Jones was the most-used defensive lineman with 100 snaps (54.5% of those available).
What is the Cardinals’ defensive line depth chart look like after Justin Jones’ injury?
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With starting spots up for grabs, Arizona signed Jones and Nichols and also drafted the more versatile Darius Robinson in the first round.
Robinson injured his calf before the start of the season, and the team entered Week 1 with the veterans starting along with nose tackle Roy Lopez.
Robinson will miss a minimum of one more game on Sunday at home against the Washington Commanders. He is eligible to return off injured reserve for an Oct. 6 game at the San Francisco 49ers.
That leaves Nichols, L.J. Collier and second-year pro Dante Stills to work at defensive tackle this coming week. Lopez and Khyiris Tonga have played at nose tackle, though the latter suffered a knee injury in the Detroit game.
Stills, who was limited throughout the last week of practice with a shoulder injury, was a healthy scratch in Week 2 in a win over the Los Angeles Rams.
He was quiet in 25 snaps in Week 1 but was busy against the Lions on Sunday, posting six tackles, including a sack.