Fooch’s update: The 49ers have confirmed the news. Here’s their info on Jones:
Jones (6-1, 293) was originally drafted in the sixth round (198th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans. Following his release from Houston on Aug. 31, 2013, he spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was later acquired off waivers by the New England Patriots on Sept. 11, 2013. In three seasons with New England (2013-15), he appeared in 28 games (23 starts) where he registered 79 tackles and nine sacks. In four postseason contests (two starts) with the Patriots, he had nine tackles, one sack and one fumble recovery. He was released by New England on April 15, 2016 and then signed with the Miami Dolphins on April 18. This season with Miami, he picked up seven tackles in seven games played and was waived on Nov. 7.
A 26-year-old native of Brownsburg, Ind., Jones attended Bowling Green State University, where he appeared in 50 games (43 starts) and registered 157 tackles, 28 sacks, two passes defensed, six forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. A three-time All-MAC performer (First Team in 2011-12 and Third Team in 2010), Jones was also named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year as a senior in 2012.
And another injured player down. The San Francisco 49ers are placing defensive tackle Arik Armstead on injured reserve, and claiming defensive tackle Chris Jones off waivers from the Miami Dolphins, according to NESN Patriots writer Doug Kyed.
The move comes on the same day Armstead had not sounded overly optimistic about the status of his injured shoulder. He told Eric Branch on Tuesday that his season could be over, depending on what the medical and coaching staff in his medical evaluations. He told Branch, “Yes, I’ve got to take my health into consideration.” He told Matt Barrows we’ll know this week where things stand, and now we know.
Armstead suffered the shoulder injury during training camp, and it has been problematic all season. He said back in late August that he would play through the injury, but thought surgery might be necessary eventually. Armstead has played in all eight games, but he has aggravated the shoulder injury each of the last games, costing him snaps. Placing Armstead on injured reserve is not ideal for gaining in-game experience, but it is important for getting the shoulder back to 100 percent.
Older veterans go through these kinds of bumps and bruises, and they often can work around them. The best example is Justin Smith, who spent sizable chunks of his final three seasons with the 49ers on the injury list. Of course, even a 75 or 80 percent Justin Smith was better than most everybody else. Armstead has a ton of raw talent, but he is still learning the game and is not a guy who can consistently play through this shoulder injury. He needs to get the shoulder right and get ready for 2017.