Lions place TJ Jones on injured reserve, sign WR Andy Jones to active roster

On Monday, Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell hinted that the team may have suffered “one or two” serious injuries against the Chicago Bears. On Tuesday, we found out he wasn’t bluffing.

The Lions announced that receiver TJ Jones has been placed on injured reserve after suffering a shoulder injury in the second half against the Bears. Jones’ season is now over after having the best year of his career. He finishes with 30 catches for 399 yards and a touchdown. His previous season-high was 10 catches for 132 yards. Jones will be a free agent after this year concludes.

To fill Jones’ roster spot the Lions promoted Andy Jones from their practice squad. Andy has been sitting quietly on the Lions’ practice squad since August 30, while the Lions shifted through Jared Abbrederis and Jace Billingsley as replacement receivers.

Andy Jones went undrafted in 2016 after finishing his senior year at Jacksonville with 60 catches for 890 yards and 8 touchdowns. Jones has since jumped between the Texans and Cowboys, making only one brief appearance (one snap) with the Texans in Week 1 of 2017.

To fill Jones’ spot on the practice squad, the Lions signed back cornerback Adairius Barnes.

UPDATE: TJ Jones left a message via his Instagram on Tuesday:

It reads:

Nothing hurts more than having the game you love taken away from you abruptly. This season will be one for the books and i wish i could be there to help my team make this playoff run. I refuse to let this injury be anything more than a minor setback. Life keeps you on your toes and you cant always control what happens. But what you can control is how you choose to react to the situation that has been placed before you. Thank you for the love and support through this tough time. 2018 im coming you!