Christian Jones To Return For Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals just got a much-needed shot in the arm for their offensive line. Offensive tackle Christian Jones has been designated to return from injured reserve, and he’s set to start practicing this week. This move couldn’t come at a better time for a team desperate for some good news and stability in the trenches.
The Cardinals now have a 21-day window to activate Jones to the 53-man roster. If they don’t, he’ll revert to IR for the rest of the season. But all signs point to Jones gearing up to contribute, likely as a key backup, as the team navigates a tough stretch.
Christian Jones’ Rocky Road to Return
It’s been a long journey back for Christian Jones. The 2024 fifth-round pick from Texas has had a rookie year defined by the training room. After an ankle injury sidelined him to start his career, he battled back, only to suffer a knee injury in the preseason opener this year. That landed him on injured reserve, forcing him to miss at least the first four games of the 2025 season.
But fans got a glimpse of his potential last year. Injuries to Paris Johnson, Jonah Williams, and Jackson Barton thrust Jones into the spotlight, and he started the season finale at right tackle. That experience, though brief, proved he could hang in the NFL. Now, with his return, the Cardinals add some much-needed depth to a position that has been hit hard by injuries.
Why Jones’ Return is Crucial for the Cardinals
The timing for Jones’ comeback is critical. The offensive line has been a revolving door, with starter Jonah Williams recently placed on injured reserve and veteran Kelvin Beachum also banged up. The Cardinals have been leaning on undrafted rookie Josh Fryar to plug the gaps, a tough ask for any young player.
Bringing Christian Jones back into the fold gives Head Coach Jonathan Gannon more options and a player with some starting experience under his belt. While the Cardinals’ 3-8 record has them on the ropes and nearly out of playoff contention, shoring up the offensive line is a fundamental step toward being competitive. Gannon has stressed that the team needs to execute the basics better, and having reliable depth up front is key to that.
As the team prepares to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 13, getting a player like Jones back on the practice field is a morale boost. It’s a small victory in a season that has been short on them, but it’s a building block. For Christian Jones, it’s a chance to finally get his NFL career rolling and prove he was worth the draft pick. For the Cardinals, it’s a glimmer of hope that they can start turning things around, one player at a time.
