David

Jones

The move makes the fifth-year corner a free agent. Jones appeared in all 16 games last season, but struggled in coverage. He was used sparingly in the second half of the year. If he latches on somewhere, it will be as a special teamer.

Jones was released with an injury settlement in early September. The former fifth-round pick appeared in all 16 games for the Jaguars a season ago, starting five. In 49 career contests, he’s tallied 89 tackles and one pick. With William Middleton joining Rashean Mathis and Derek Cox on I.R. Saturday, Jones should see plenty of snaps.

Jones’ release means the Redskins are going to roll with four cornerbacks. Starters DeAngelo Hall and Josh Wilson will be backed up by Cedric Griffin and Richard Crawford.

A 2007 fifth-round pick, Jones has appeared in 93 games as a reserve and special teamer with the Bengals and Jaguars. Signs point to a setback for Minnifield, who impressed in June minicamp after offseason microfracture surgery.

Butler injured his hamstring in last week’s loss to the Bengals. Jones will replace him on special teams if he’s active on game days.

No word on the length of the deal, but it’s expected to be for three seasons. Jones, like third-round pick Usama young, is from a small school (Wingate).

Fletcher appears to be around for insurance. Cornerback David Jones injured his foot in practice and is currently sporting a walking boot. Early guesses are Jones could be out two-to-eight weeks.

The Bengals’ website guesses that Jones could be out anywhere from “2 to 8 weeks.” Jones is in a protective boot, and may have sprained the foot. This wouldn’t be a small loss, as he is Cincinnati’s top nickel back candidate.

The surgery will likely sideline Jones into the regular season, leaving the Bengals scrambling for a nickel back. Expect them to start scanning the free agent list.