Cardinals WR Zay Jones receives roster exemption upon return from suspension

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Zay Jones has served his five-game suspension, and the NFL granted him a one-game roster exemption as he works his way back onto the field, according to multiple reports.

The NFL suspended Jones, who signed with the Cardinals this past offseason, for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

Jones will not count toward Arizona’s 53-man roster until the exemption is lifted. It expires next Monday after the Cardinals take on the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field. The Cardinals could place Jones back on the active roster ahead of Sunday’s game, but they would need to make a corresponding roster move.

Jones is eligible to practice with the team in the meantime.

Last year, in nine games played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jones reeled in 34 catches on 64 targets for 321 yards and two touchdowns. He set career highs in 2022 with 82 catches and 823 yards.

The 6-foot-2 receiver has spent most of his career lined up on the outside, but he has slot experience to move around.

Arizona only has three wide receivers with a catch this season: Second-year pro Michael Wilson pulled 19 catches through five weeks, rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. has 17 receptions and slot receiver Greg Dortch grabbed 16.

Tight end Trey McBride leads the Cardinals with 20 receptions, even though he missed Week 4 with a concussion.

Jones signed a one-year deal worth up to a reported $4.25 million with its many incentives. His cap hit is $1.7 million.

Why was Zay Jones suspended?

The NFL suspended Jones on Aug. 23, just ahead of roster cutdown day, for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

Jones was arrested and booked into jail for domestic battery after an incident involving the mother of his child in November.

Misdemeanor charges were dropped in March by the Florida state attorney’s office.

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