The Arizona Cardinals have re-signed long snapper Aaron Brewer after placing defensive lineman Justin Jones on injured reserve. The roster move was announced Thursday.
Justin Jones, who joined the Cardinals in 2024 on a three-year free-agent contract, has been sidelined with a knee injury since early in training camp. He will not be eligible to return to practice until after the team’s Week 4 game against the Seattle Seahawks.
NFL rules allow teams to designate only two players for IR-to-Return at the time of final roster cuts. The Cardinals used those spots earlier in the week for offensive linemen Hayden Conner and Christian Jones. As a result, Jones had to remain on the initial 53-man roster before being placed on injured reserve, which then opened up a spot for Brewer’s return.
Jones previously played all 17 games during both the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Chicago Bears, contributing to his reputation for durability—a factor that influenced Arizona’s decision to sign him. However, his first season with the Cardinals was cut short when he tore his tricep in just his third game against Detroit in 2024.
Reflecting on last season’s injury challenges, Jones described its personal impact: “I play through injury all the time,” Jones said. “That’s been my M.O. trying to play hurt. I ain’t trippin’ on that. But it’s more the mental aspect. It’s different being at home during the season. Your daughter is like, asking ‘Do you still play?’ Or ‘Are we going to the game this week?’ And I’m like, ‘no.’ Little stuff like that, it hits you.”
Brewer returns as long snapper after briefly being released by Arizona as part of roster management strategies.
