Cowboys guard Rob Jones out for 2025

Rob Jones is out for the 2025 season after a neck injury in training camp and has been placed on injured reserve.

Cowboys Guard Rob Jones Out for 2025 After Neck Injury

OXNARD, Calif. -- Rob Jones's first season with the Dallas Cowboys ended early after he suffered a broken bone in his neck during the first padded practice on July 28. The Cowboys placed him on injured reserve Friday, ending his 2025 season before it began. He was given a two- to three-month recovery timeline and would have been eligible to return if he had remained on the active roster through final cuts.

Jones signed a one-year deal worth 3.75 million with 3 million guaranteed. He had seen some first team action in camp and was expected to back up rookie Tyler Booker at right guard. Jones started 30 of 49 games for the Dolphins before joining Dallas. To fill the roster spot, the Cowboys signed Malik Davis, who had spent time on the practice squad and was released in April. The team also faces a thin backfield as Miles Sanders missed time with a bruised knee, Deuce Vaughn is returning from a hamstring issue, and rookie Jaydon Blue suffered an ankle injury. That leaves Javonte Williams, Phil Mafah, and Hunter Luepke as the healthy backs.

The injury highlights how quickly a team can be tested by depth in camp. A one year deal with guaranteed money creates pressure to find immediate value and manage the roster without relying on a quick return from Jones. Dallas now leans on Booker to grow into a larger role at right guard while the line adapts to ongoing camp injuries and roster churn.

Beyond the guard position, the Cowboys face a sprint to stabilize the backfield as multiple players deal with injuries. The episode underscores how camp health shapes early season decisions and could influence how the coaching staff builds the unit around a thinner group than planned.

Highlights

The season moves on with new questions about Dallas depth and development.