The Buffalo Bills made a surprising decision just before the 2024 roster deadline by releasing veteran linebacker Deion Jones and keeping undrafted rookie Joe Andreessen on their final 53-man roster. However, recent injuries may force the Bills to reconsider their linebacker depth, with reports suggesting Jones could return to the team sooner rather than later.
According to Bleacher Report, Jones is the top player the Bills should re-sign after a string of injuries thinned their linebacker corps. The report highlighted that star linebacker Matt Milano could be out for the season, while Terrel Bernard is expected to miss at least a month after suffering a pectoral strain in the Bills’ recent victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Bills Released Deion Jones in August
The Bills initially signed Jones to add veteran depth to their linebacking group, but the emergence of local rookie Joe Andreessen pushed Jones out of the rotation. On August 25, just days before the final roster deadline, the Bills released Jones, who had been expected to compete for a backup role.
Jones, a Pro Bowler in 2017 during his time with the Atlanta Falcons, has started 91 games in his NFL career. He played for the Carolina Panthers in 2023, appearing in 13 games, starting three, and recording 35 tackles along with a sack. Despite his experience, the Bills opted to go with the younger Andreessen, a versatile undrafted rookie who impressed both in camp and on special teams.
Buffalo’s Linebacker Depth Under Scrutiny
The Bills are now facing significant injury challenges at linebacker. Bernard’s pectoral strain has left the team short-handed, with head coach Sean McDermott confirming that Bernard could miss several weeks. As the Bills assess whether to place Bernard on injured reserve, which would sideline him for at least four weeks, the possibility of bringing back Jones becomes more pressing.
“Unfortunately, he’s going to be out multiple weeks,” McDermott said during a press conference. “We’re still talking internally about whether an IR designation makes sense for him.”
The injury situation compounds the team’s defensive woes, with nickel cornerback Taron Johnson also dealing with an injury. Though Johnson avoided injured reserve, the Bills’ defense will need reinforcements to stay competitive in a tough AFC.
Is Deion Jones the Answer?
Re-signing Jones could provide the Bills with the stability they need at linebacker, at least in the short term. With his experience, Jones can step in and help fill the void left by Bernard’s absence, while Andreessen continues to develop. For Jones, it would be an opportunity to prove he still has something left in the tank and make an impact on a Super Bowl contender.
The Bills have big aspirations for this season, and addressing their linebacker depth will be crucial as they navigate these injuries. Whether they turn back to Jones or seek another option, the situation will be one to watch closely.
#Bills Terrel Bernard pectoral injury.
Hard to see at this angle, but team confirmed pectoral injury.
Can see left arm get caught as he passes through LOS.
Let’s hope it’s just a strain. 🤞 #Bills pic.twitter.com/q2ERG6tHvy
— Banged Up Bills (@BangedUpBills) September 13, 2024
