The Washington Commanders have signed veteran pass rusher Preston Smith, with the team also announcing Wednesday that cornerback Jonathan Jones has been placed on injured reserve.
Jones injured his hamstring in last Thursday’s loss to the Packers and will be out for a minimum of four games as a result. Jones signed with the Commanders in March after spending his first nine seasons with the Patriots. Over the first two weeks of the season, he had one tackle while playing 22 defensive snaps and 21 special teams snaps.
Jones’ move to IR opened up a roster spot for the return of Smith, 32, who rejoins Washington after beginning his NFL career with the team in 2015. During his first four years in Washington, Smith tallied 24.5 sacks before leaving for Green Bay as a free agent in 2019. Smith amassed 70.5 sacks (44 of which came during his tenure in Green Bay). He remained with the Packers until midway through last season, when he was traded to Pittsburgh for a seventh-round pick. He appeared in eight games and recorded two sacks last year with the Steelers.
Smith’s arrival also helps lessen the blow of losing defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr., who suffered a season-ending injury (torn left quadriceps) during the Commanders 27-18 loss to Green Bay last Thursday.
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