Jones has put together a successful UDFA career, having worked his way upward, through backup roles, before taking on starting duties last season, manning the Dolphins’ left guard spot. Jones will compete for a starting role with the Cowboys, who lost stalwart RG Zack Martin to retirement this offseason.

Jones was set to be a restricted free agent but will instead return to the Dolphins on a one-year contract. The former undrafted free agent appeared in eight games for the Dolphins last season, starting five while earning a PFF blocking grade of 60.9. Jones has started 13 of the 32 games he’s appeared in for his career and should have a chance to earn a permanent starting gig this offseason after starting four straight games to close out the regular season.

Jones suffered the knee injury in the fourth quarter and stayed down on the field in pain for a while. He was eventually helped off the field by trainers and eventually road the cart to the locker room. His injury wasn’t visible on the broadcast, but Rich Eisen on play-by-play described it as “ghastly.” With the game nearing the final whistle, Jones is obviously done for the day.

Jones was competing for a chance to win a starting spot on the offensive line but will now miss at least the first week of the season with his injury. The good news is he isn’t expected to undergo surgery at this time. Jones started seven games at left guard for the Dolphins last season and earned a PFF grade of 62.0.