The Arizona Cardinals claimed running back Tony Jones Jr. off of waivers after the New Orleans Saints let him go, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. It’s his second stop with an NFC West team in as many years — the same thing happened last season when the Saints waived Jones, who was quickly snapped up by the Seattle Seahawks. The Cardinals could use more depth at running back with James Conner managing a knee injury.
This will be Jones’ fourth NFL team after he rejoined Sean Payton on the Denver Broncos this summer, though he ultimately didn’t make the cut for a roster spot. The Saints brought him back and he did an admirable job filling in for Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams the first few weeks, scoring each of his first two touchdown runs as a pro against the Carolina Panthers in Week 2.
But you have to wonder what the vision is for the Saints at running back. Williams won’t be eligible to return from injured reserve (with a hamstring injury) until at least Week 7’s game with the Jacksonville Jaguars. They also have undrafted rookie Jordan Mims on the practice squad. At the moment, though, they’re left with just Kamara and third-round draft pick Kendre Miller on the 53-man roster. Maybe they’re planning for more contributions by Taysom Hill and fullback Adam Prentice to bridge the gap until Williams returns.
