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The first Detroit Lions roster cut of Saturday is here and it’s a shocking one. According to Justin Rogers of the Detroit News, the Lions have waived receiver TJ Jones.
TJ Jones has been waived by the Detroit Lions. Surprising move.
— Justin Rogers (@Justin_Rogers) September 3, 2016
All things were lining up for Jones to finally have an impact year with the Lions. Jones, while not outstanding in the preseason, showed some chops as a returner and receiver. But apparently he was outshined by the likes of Jay Lee and/or Jace Billingsley.
Jones joined the team in 2014 as a sixth-round pick. He lost his rookie season to injury, but came into 2015 looking to break out. He appeared in ten games and only hauled in 132 yards and a touchdown that season. Coming into 2016, Jones was hoping to be the team’s punt and kick return specialist, while also adding some depth at the slot receiver position. Instead, he may be looking to land on a different roster. The Lions could bring Jones back, however, as he is practice squad eligible.
The Lions could very well be hanging onto one of their rookie UDFA receivers in Lee or Billingsley now. Both had outstanding performances in the final preseason game and could easily be a justifiable choice for the fourth or fifth wide receiver spot.