Justin Jones was limited to just three games during his debut Cardinals campaign. The veteran defensive lineman will miss time once again in 2025. 
Jones was placed on injured reserve Thursday, per a team announcement. The 29-year-old has been dealing with a knee injury since July. As a result of today’s move, Jones will be sidelined until at least Week 5.
After four seasons with the Chargers and two with the Bears, Jones established himself as a full-time starter. The former third-rounder was largely durable during that period, playing a full 17-game slate in both of his Chicago seasons. Things have not gone according to plan in Arizona, however. Jones suffered a triceps tear in Week 3 last year, ending his campaign early.
Now, the NC State product is set to miss the first month of the campaign. Jones is under contract for the next two years, but none of his scheduled base salary for 2026 ($7.5MM) is guaranteed. Whether or not he remains in the Cardinals’ plans next season will depend in large part on when he is able to return to the field and his performance once healthy. In the meantime, Arizona will move forward with a defensive line group which will also be without first-round rookie Walter Nolen in September.
If/when Jones is brought back into the fold, he will account for one of the Cardinals’ eight IR activations. Two were used during the team’s Tuesday roster moves. In a corresponding transaction, long snapper Aaron Brewer was re-signed to the active roster. Brewer was released as part of the team’s roster maneuvers, but Jones moving to IR opened up a spot for him to return as expected.