Big Broncos free agent D.J. Jones provides encouraging news on his back

The Denver Broncos dished out a lot of money this offseason to improve their defensive line.

The team gave Randy Gregory $70 million to come over from the Cowboys and D.J. Jones $30 million to join the fold from the 49ers.

While Gregory is on the “PUP” list but hopeful for Week 1, Jones tweaked his back last week and has missed a couple of practices. Some of that is because of the injury, but also because his wife and him were welcoming a new baby.

After Broncos training camp Day 11 on Monday, Jones spoke with the media for the first time in a scrum and said everything with his back is all good.

“(I need) some conditioning. I’ll be fine. Yeah, everything’s cool. I feel great (and) ready to go,” Jones said.

Jones returned to practice but mostly worked on the side field with injured players. After practice head coach Nathaniel Hackett said the team may try to work him back in 11-on-11 drills this week, but will play it by ear. Regardless, with a preseason game coming up on Saturday against the Cowboys, Jones is willing to play if needed.

“Honestly, I’ll do whatever they need me to do. If they put me out there, I’ll be out there. If not I’ll be on the sidelines cheering my guys on,” Jones said.

Speaking of the Cowboys, the team will be here for a joint practice on Thursday. Many think it will be the biggest test for the Broncos of camp, but Jones doesn’t necessarily see it that way.

“I don’t think it’s any different. You come to practice as if it was a game every day. Work technique with the same guys, it’s just going against somebody different. Running the same plays. It shouldn’t be too much different, but we might be a little more physical,” Jones said.

As for his role with the Broncos this season, Jones is focused on doing what he does best. And what he was paid big money for.

“My profession, what I do, is I stop the run. Whether it’s on the goal line or midfield, it doesn’t matter. I take pride in stopping the run, helping my teammates to stop the run just like me. We’ve got some great players and I’m excited to see what we can do,” Jones said.

He’s also got a new job at home, after welcoming a child over the weekend. Jones says his teammates were excited to hear the news.

“Everyone was happy for me, man. Asking name, weight. All new to me, but it’s an exciting time for me and my family,” Jones said.

Broncos DL D.J. Jones on his health, becoming a father and stopping the run in the final minutes of a close game. #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/bnbZxtx87W

— Will Petersen (@PetersenWill) August 8, 2022

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