Falcons place Jones on injured reserve
The Falcons placed linebacker Deion Jones on injured reserve Tuesday, taking a second 2017 Pro Bowler from the defense in less than a week.
The move with Jones comes after coach Dan Quinn on Friday announced safety Keanu Neal suffered a torn ligament in his left knee and will miss the remainder of the season.
Jones hurt his foot in Thursday night’s 1812 opening loss at Philadelphia . Quinn said Tuesday that Jones will require surgery, but is expected to return this season.
The Falcons didn’t release further details of Jones’ injury or surgery.
Jones led the defense with nine tackles, one interception and two passes defensed against the Eagles. It was his seventh career interception.
He had 138 tackles, three interceptions and one sack in 2017 when he earned his first Pro Bowl selection.
Jones must remain on IR for at least six weeks. He then would have two weeks to return to the roster. The earliest date he could return would be on Nov. 11 for Atlanta’s game at Cleveland.
Secondyear linebacker Duke Riley may take Jones’ spot at middle linebacker in the starting lineup. Quinn said Friday a combination of Damontae Kazee and Jordan Richards will be the first options to replace Neal.
Jones, a secondround draft pick from LSU in 2016, and Neal have been keys to dramatic improvements on defense under Quinn.
Panthers hit with key injuries.
CHARLOTTE, N.C.»
The Panthers will be without threetime Pro Bowl tight end Greg Olsen and secondteam allpro Bowl right tackle Daryl Williams for the foreseeable future.
The team announced Tuesday that Olsen refractured the same right foot that kept him out of nine games last season in Carolina’s 168 win over Dallas on Sunday. Olsen will not have surgery and will be reevaluated on a “monthly basis.” He’ll remain on the team’s roster in hopes that he can return later in the season as he did a year ago.
Williams suffered an undisclosed knee injury and will need surgery.
Rams spoil Gruden’s turn.
OAKLAND, CALIF.» re
Jared Goff threw two touchdown passes, newcomer Marcus Peters returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown and the Los Angeles Rams spoiled coach Jon Gruden’s muchanticipated return to the Oakland sideline by beating the Raiders 3313 on Monday night.
The Rams (10) scored on a 19yard shovel pass from Goff to Todd Gurley in the first quarter and an 8yard strike to Cooper Kupp in the third to win in Gruden’s first game as coach of the Raiders (01) since the end of the 2001 season.
Jaguars bring back Fowler.
JACKSONVILLE, FLA.»
The Jaguars released defensive tackle Michael Bennett, clearing a roster spot for suspended defensive end Dante Fowler to rejoin the team.
Packers put Davis on IR.
The Packers placed receiver and return man Trevor Davis on injured reserve, and claimed cornerback Deante Burton off waivers from the Falcons.
Davis missed the season opener against the Bears.