Miami Dolphins cornerback Byron Jones was placed on the list of active/physically unable to perform the Friday before the team’s Tuesday report date for the start of training camp.
The Dolphins announced Jones’ PUP designation with the appointment of defensive back Eliza Campbell on the active/non-football injury list.
Jones underwent surgery on his lower left leg in March and was unable to participate in the Dolphins’ voluntary organized team activities or mandatory minicamp practices this off-season.
With Miami reporting to training camp on Tuesday and conducting its first exercise on Wednesday, the ACTIVE/PUP designation means Jones will not participate in practice to begin camp. Once able to return, it can be activated from the PUP list. If still not ready by the start of the regular season, the Dolphins may move him to the reserve/PUP list, but this requires the player to miss the first six weeks of the regular season.
Jones was the Dolphins’ highest-paid player in each of the past two seasons after signing a five-year deal worth $82.5 million in 2020 free agency. This offseason, the team renegotiated their contract, converting base pay into a signing bonus, which created an off-season salary cap spot where the Dolphins made an array of roster additions, including wide receiver Tyrek Hill and the release of Taron Armstead. .
Jones, who turns 30 in September, is expected to be a key component for the Dolphins’ defense, starting opposite three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Xavian Howard and Nick Needham playing the nickel cornerback role. Howard had his contract renegotiated this offseason, making his deal more lucrative than that of Jones in the coming season.
Known for his man coverage, Jones has only four interceptions through his first seven NFL seasons—the first five with the Dallas Cowboys and the last two with the Dolphins. Two of them came with Miami in 2020. He made 58 tackles and 10 pass deflections last season and made 37 tackles with four deflections in 2020.
This story will be updated.
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