24 Adam Jones DB

The Bengals informed Jones (hernia) they won't pick up his 2018 option, but they're interested in bringing him back to compete for work as a nickel corner and return man, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

The 34-year-old Jones has been in Cincinnati since 2010, highlighted by a four-year stretch from 2013 to 2016 in which he picked off 10 passes and had at least 56 tackles each season. He started all nine games he played last year, but logged less than two-thirds of the defensive snaps in seven of those contests. Jones can become an unrestricted free agent March 14 when the league year begins, and he should draw interest from other teams as a potential slot corner and return specialist. He should make a full recovery from February sports hernia surgery in time for the start of training camp.

Jones underwent surgery to repair a hernia on Thursday, Katherine Terrell of ESPN reports.

This procedure is likely related to the groin injury that planted Jones on injured reserve for the last month of the season. Given the minor nature of the situation, Jones should be healthy in time for offseason workouts in April. However, coming off one of the worst seasons in his lengthy career and carrying a cap hit of over $6 million in 2018, there's a chance Jones could be sent packing from Cincinnati before that time.

Jones (groin) was placed on injured reserve Saturday, Jim Owczarski of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

Jones suffered the injury while recording his first interception of the season in last week's loss to the Steelers. The 34-year-old will finish his eleventh season with 23 tackles (19 solo), four passes defended, and one pick. Williams Jackson III will presumably replace him at cornerback.

Jones (groin) is a candidate to be placed on injured reserve by the Bengals.

Jones suffered the injury in last Monday's loss to the Steelers and didn't practice this week. Injured reserve being a consideration at this point in the season does not bode for the veteran cornerback, and seems to indicate the season-ending move may only be a question of time.

Jones (groin) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bears, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.

Jones wasn't able to practice in any capacity this week after injuring his groin in Monday's loss to the Steelers. With Dre Kirkpatrick (concussion) also sidelined, youngsters Darqueze Dennard (knee) and William Jackson will likely be pressed into extended snaps at cornerback.