A week ago, Mark Jones was playing for the San Diego Chargers.
Today, three days after being cut by the Chargers, Jones is with the Carolina Panthers as they prepare for their NFL season-opener on Sunday against – San Diego.
Jones, who was signed over the weekend as a kickoff and punt returner, averaged 24.7 yards on kickoffs for the Chargers and 13.0 yards on seven punt returns.
He'll replace Ryne Robinson, who continues to recover from a knee injury.
“It'll probably be nice and special,” Jones said of returning to San Diego later this week. “But I'll be on the other sideline.”
After a rookie season with the New York Giants, Jones played for three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He has career averages of 24.8 yards (kickoffs) and 8.7 (punts). He hasn't returned a kick for a touchdown.
Jones has been troubled with a knee injury, but said it held up in the preseason with the Chargers.
Notes
It appears the Panthers will be as healthy as they've been in several weeks against the Chargers.
Coach John Fox said Tuesday that safety Chris Harris, who has missed three weeks with a groin injury, is expected to practice when the team returns to practice today. Receiver D.J. Hackett, who's been out with a toe injury, will also practice today.
Fox wouldn't say whether either would play against the Chargers.
Fox said he didn't anticipate the team making any more roster moves after signing Jones on Monday.
Fox thinks the Chargers might focus on stopping the Panthers' running game because Carolina star receiver
Steve Smith will be out, serving the first of a two-game suspension.
“You never go into any game knowing, but it wouldn't surprise me if that's part of what they do,” Fox said.
But he also said the remaining Panthers receivers – Muhsin Muhammad, Dwayne Jarrett and Hackett (if he plays) – shouldn't be taken lightly.
“They're pros, too,” Fox said. “They're on the 53-man roster and they've all caught balls in the National Football League before.”
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