43 Joe Jones LB

Jones signed his exclusive rights free-agent tender with the Broncos on Tuesday.

Jones had 16 tackles (13 solo) in 16 games for the Broncos in 2018 as he mostly served on special teams. The 25-year-old is likely to fulfill a similar reserve role in the upcoming season if he can remain on the roster.

Jones recorded one tackle on special teams during Thursday's preseason game against the Redskins.

Jones was initially expected not to play, but it turns out the linebacker was allowed to log 11 snaps on special teams, which is his ticket to making the team in Denver.

Jones (back) has been ruled out for Friday's preseason game against the Redskins, Ryan O'Halloran of The Denver Post reports.

Jones has dealt with a combination of injuries to start training camp in 2018. Denver likes Jones as a reserve linebacker moving forward, but if he can't cement their feelings about him during the preseason, it could hinder his chances of surviving final roster trims.

Jones did not participate in Monday's practice due to a back injury, Ryan O'Halloran of the Denver Post reports.

Jones has already dealt with a sprained foot throughout the preseason, so this recent back injury presents another challenge for the linebacker to overcome as he attempts to make the 53-man roster. Jones will hope to be cleared in time for Friday's exhibition contest against the Redskins.

Jones (foot) made his return to practice Monday, Mike Klis of 9News.com reports.

Jones' sprained foot only forced him to miss under a week's worth of action, so the issue has proven to be minor. He'll continue to compete for a depth role at inside linebacker and appears likely to play in Saturday's preseason tilt against the Bears, barring any setbacks.

Jones was sidelined during Wednesday's practice with what is being tabbed as a sprained foot, Aric DiLalla of the Broncos' official website reports.

It's unclear when exactly Jones sustained the injury, and we don't know for how long he'll be held out. As of right now, Jones seems to be battling for a roster spot, and each day missed won't bode well for his chances of sticking around.