Cowboys' second-highest paid free agent addition faces season-ending injury

Rob Jones, the Cowboys' second-highest-paid free agent addition this offseason, will miss the 2025 campaign and will not take the field for Brian Schottenheimer's squad.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Dallas has placed Jones on season-ending injured reserve after he suffered a broken bone in his neck during their first padded practice of training camp on July 27. 

Originally given a two-to-three-month recovery timeline, the team decided to move him to injured reserve to rule out any chance of a return in 2025.

Jones signed a one-year contract worth $3.75 million this offseason to add depth to the Cowboys' offensive line. He had been competing heavily with rookie first-round draft pick Tyler Booker for the starting right guard position. Jones, who started all 17 games for the Miami Dolphins last season, brings 30 career starts to Dallas after initially entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent.

With Jones out, the Cowboys are expected to turn to Booker, the 12th pick, to claim the starting right guard role. Booker was already positioned as a top candidate.

Other experienced options on the roster include Saahdiq Charles, who joined Dallas this offseason, and Brock Hoffman, who has prior starting experience filling in for Zack Martin last season. The Cowboys also feature young linemen like T.J. Bass and Tyler Guyton to provide depth.