The Washington Commanders made a roster move on Tuesday, releasing rookie wide receiver Jacoby Jones to make room for newly signed kicker Jake Moody and defensive tackle Daron Payne.
Payne served a one-game suspension last week for throwing a punch at Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown in Washington’s Week 10 loss to Detroit. Payne and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw said St. Brown actually threw the first punch, and he appealed. The NFL denied Payne’s appeal, but the video evidence proved Payne and Kinlaw were correct — St. Brown did throw the first punch.
St. Brown did not receive the same punishment, as he was fined $12,172.
The Commanders agreed to terms with Moody on Monday after releasing kicker Matt Gay. Washington released Gay after he missed two field goals in Sunday’s loss to Miami, including the potential game-winner. Overall, he made just 13 of 19 attempts.
The 6-foot-3, 228-pound Jones is an undrafted rookie from UCF. He signed with the Commanders after the 2025 NFL draft and was waived during final cuts. Washington quickly re-signed Jones to the practice squad. Last week, the Commanders signed Jones to the 53-man roster due to their numerous wide receiver injuries.
Jones made his NFL debut on Sunday against the Dolphins in Madrid, making his first career catch. On a critical third-and-6, Jones ran a terrific route and went 25 yards into Miami territory. The play helped set up a potential game-winning field goal, but Gay missed it, and the game went overtime, and Washington lost.
Jones’ release is probably more of a procedural move, as Washington is likely to re-sign him to its practice squad. The Commanders can then elevate Jones up to three times.
Washington expects to get wide receiver Terry McLaurin back after the bye and perhaps even Noah Brown.