Reshad Jones looking for second opinion on shoulder injury

The Miami Dolphins received bad news on Monday, finding out that safety Reshad Jones could miss the rest of the season with a rotator cuff tear he suffered during the team’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jones is now seeking a second opinion on the injury, with that prognosis expected on either Tuesday or Wednesday.

Jones, Miami’s fifth-round draft pick in 2010, has developed into a top tier safety in the league. He plays everywhere on the field, from covering wide receivers to working as a fourth linebacker, stacking up in the box to stop the run. He has played in 94 games in his career, with 80 starts. and has only missed four games since 2012, games he missed due to a suspension. In his career, he has 545 tackles, nine sacks, 16 interceptions with three touchdowns, 40 passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl last season.

The Dolphins defense has struggled early this season, especially with tackling, but Jones has consistently played at a level that could lead to his second Pro Bowl selection. He is a sure tackler, and he diagnoses plays better than anyone else on the defense for Miami. Jones seems to always be around the ball, and he recorded his first interception of the year against the Steelers, leading a resurgence of the Dolphins’ defense, a defense that was expected to be dominant coming into the year.

Michael Thomas, who is exceptional on special teams and has proven himself as a solid member of the defense, would have the responsibility to replace Jones in the starting lineup if Jones is unable to play. The Dolphins next play on Sunday against the Buffalo Bills.