After losing running back Rashaad Penny to a season-ending injury on Sunday, the Seahawks acted quickly to add depth to their backfield, claiming Tony Jones Jr. off waivers from New Orleans.
The Saints waived Jones, who joined the team as an undrafted rookie out of Notre Dame in 2020, in a series of roster moves ahead of New Orleans' Week 5 game against Seattle.
Jones, 24, spent most of his rookie season on the Saints' practice squad, then made the roster in 2021 as the primary backup behind Alvin Kamara, but his progress was slowed down by a high-ankle sprain. Jones finished last season rushing 54 times for 142 yards.
In 14 career games with the Saints, Jones rushed 59 times for 163 yards and added 41 receiving yards on seven catches.
Running back depth is needed for Seattle not just because of Penny's injury, but also because Travis Homer, the team's regular third-down back and a key contributor on special teams, is on injured reserve with a rib injury. The Seahawks had an open spot on their 53-man roster after placing linebacker Darryl Johnson on injured reserve last week.
The Seahawks face the Saints in New Orleans for Week 5 of the season at Caesars Superdome on October 9, 2022. Game action photos are presented by Washington's Lottery.
