Jacksonville just lost Christian Kirk for the season and is expected to be without the emerging rookie Brian Thomas Jr. for a while. As a result, the recently cut Bears receiver/returner/lead running back will be headed to Duval County.

Jones, who never started with Chicago, received his marching papers late last week. Known for his return-to-play work, Jones caught just 12 passes with the Bears. One Offseason running back experiment It didn’t lead to a long runway, as the Bears moved on with 1 1/2 seasons left on his rookie contract. That deal has since been completed and no team claimed Jones off waivers.

Jones served as the Bears’ primary kick returner as a rookie, averaging more than 27 yards per return in both seasons in 2023. Jones ranked seventh and fifth in kick-return yards in 2022 and 2023, with 607 and 435 yards, respectively.

The Bears didn’t make him a returning starter after a radical change in the kickoff during the offseason; Jones has only returned one kick this season. He notably disregarded the Bears’ punt-return mix during his time in the Windy City.

Jones, who rushed for a touchdown as a rookie, recorded only two carries following an effort by the Bears offensive staff to test him in the backfield. The Jaguars have more need at receiver as Kirk suffered a broken collarbone in Week 8 and Thomas is dealing with a groin injury.

Gabe Davis He remains a healthy option among the Jags’ starters, and the team also has second-year gear Parker Washington and fourth year UDFA Tim Jones. However, staff adjustments will soon be needed; Jones now represents part of that equation.