Tough news out of Dallas: the Cowboys’ offensive line is getting tested before they’ve even taken a preseason snap. Rob Jones, who’s just arrived in Dallas after a solid stint in Miami, suffered a broken bone in his neck during Sunday’s practice. He’s now expected to miss two to three months – a tough break for both Jones and a Cowboys unit counting on depth up front.
Jones had been lining up with the starters during training camp, a clear sign the coaching staff saw him as more than just a backup. That’s especially notable considering the way the Cowboys have emphasized getting the right mix along the line heading into 2024. In fact, Jones had just signed a one-year deal, worth a reported $3.75 million, to help shore up protection and bring versatility to the O-line.
The injury comes at an especially inopportune time for both club and player. For Dallas, the big concern is that offensive line continuity often sets the tone for the entire offense – and depth is something you want solidified before you get into the grind of the fall schedule. For Jones, this was his first chance to carve out a role with the Cowboys, possibly even vie for a longer-term future, especially off the back of a year where he started all 17 games at left guard for the Dolphins.
Let’s talk about that previous season for a second: Jones was a fixture in Miami, logging all 17 starts at left guard and tallying over 1,000 snaps. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed five sacks and 28 pressures, with a pass-blocking grade of 54.3. He’s got experience across both guard spots from his time in Miami, which included 12 starts at left guard over two seasons, and he originally broke into the NFL after a standout college career at Middle Tennessee State.
Jones’ setback is a reminder of just how quickly fortunes can shift in the NFL. He’s still just 26 and was in a good spot to contribute – not just as insurance, but as a viable piece on an O-line that wants to keep Dak Prescott upright and open holes for the run game.
As of now, the Cowboys are left to sort out their options heading into an important stretch of camp and with a preseason matchup against the Rams just around the corner. For Jones, the focus shifts to recovery, hoping that this one-year Dallas audition isn’t derailed for good. It’s a storyline that bears watching – not just for how the Cowboys regroup, but for how Jones battles back to re-establish himself in the league.
