Elijah Jones’s rookie season hit an abrupt halt when he suffered an ankle injury during the 2024 preseason finale in Denver. This injury prevented him from participating in any regular-season games, forcing him to undergo surgery and focus on a long recovery process instead of competing on the field.
Though he had a window to potentially return late in the year, the severity of the injury necessitated offseason surgery, sidelining him for the entirety of his first year. As Jones prepares to rejoin the Arizona Cardinals, his focus now shifts to reclaiming his fitness and securing a more active role in the upcoming 2025 preseason.
Gradual Return to Play and Adjusting from the Sidelines
During his time away from the field last season, Jones experienced the game from a unique vantage point. Serving as an observer with a headset on the sidelines, he absorbed the intricacies of the play calls and strategies, which contributed to his understanding of the defense.
“It’s been a challenge and a learning curve with being able to watch everything from the sidelines and having a headset and listening to the calls. You get to see the game from a different lens,”
Jones reflected.
“Honestly, it felt like a redshirt year.”
—Elijah Jones, Cornerback
This sideline experience allowed Jones to study the game‘s nuances without physical participation, giving him a mental edge as he worked his way back into football condition.
Challenges of Reconditioning and Maintaining Weight
Returning to peak physical shape after injury presented its own obstacles, especially for Jones, who has struggled to maintain weight consistently. The team‘s coaching staff placed emphasis on helping him create lifestyle habits conducive to sustaining his playing weight throughout the season.
“The big thing for him, with me, was just his lifestyle habits, meaning it’s hard for him to keep on weight so we have to change his diet and he’s got to be consistent with that,”
Head Coach Jonathan Gannon explained.
“That’s hard for a lot of guys.”
—Jonathan Gannon, Head Coach
Jones dedicated his offseason to working closely with Andrew Dole, the Cardinals’ dietician, along with the nutrition staff, to tailor a meal plan aimed at supporting his athletic needs and enhancing his endurance and strength on the field.
Positioning Within a Rebuilding Cardinals Defense
The Arizona Cardinals are currently rebuilding their cornerback corps, with Jones eager to cement his place among the candidates competing for roster spots. Entering the 2025 preseason healthy, Jones had mostly been operating from the third-string defense heading into the Week 2 matchup against the Denver Broncos.
He now finds himself among a competitive group of defensive backs, including Max Melton, Garrett Williams, and Will Johnson, who lead the unit. Behind these starters, Jones competes alongside Kei’Tre’l Clark, Denzel Burke, and Jaylon Jones for playing time and recognition.
Coaches Acknowledge Progress and Potential
Defensive coordinator Nick Rallis has noted improvements in Jones’s knowledge of the system and his overall play, encouraging him to continue pushing for a bigger role.
“I think he has made some huge strides,”
Rallis stated.
“You talk about knowledge of the system and not making a lot of mistakes out there, and I have seen certain parts of his game elevate, so I’m pleased with that. I want him to keep striving, because I think you he has made strides, and I know he’s got more in the tank to get better.”
—Nick Rallis, Defensive Coordinator
Jones credits his advancement to extensive film study, particularly focusing on how receivers run routes. Coach Gannon also highlighted Jones’s growing familiarity with the playbook and expressed eagerness to see him perform with more freedom on the field.
Looking Ahead to the Season Opener in Denver
With the Cardinals preparing to face off against the Broncos in Denver once again, Jones is ready to take an important step forward on the very field where his rookie season momentum was interrupted.
He expressed excitement about the opportunity to compete in live game situations after a full offseason of preparation.
“It’s just excitement,”
Jones shared.
“Every high (practice) day and medium day we have is essentially a game. It’s just better to play against different opponents than knowing the receiver that you go against every time and knowing the scheme and picking up on tasks. It’ll be good to see a different colored jersey.”
—Elijah Jones, Cornerback
This upcoming preseason game stands as both a test and a chance for Jones to demonstrate his recovery and readiness to contribute to the Cardinals in the regular season.
Supportive Team Environment and Focus on Depth
Throughout training camp and preseason practices, the Cardinals emphasize fostering depth within their defensive backfield, a core component in their rebuilding strategy. Alongside Jones, numerous teammates like Max Melton, Garrett Williams, and Will Johnson are working to secure their roles while also mentoring younger players.
The coaching staff, including Head Coach Jonathan Gannon and Defensive Coordinator Nick Rallis, is closely monitoring all squad members, paying particular attention to how players adapt to the playbook and capitalize on game-day opportunities.
Strengthening the Ranks and Nutritional Guidance
Jones’s collaboration with the Cardinals’ dietician Andrew Dole and nutrition staff has been integral to implementing a consistent diet aimed at maintaining optimum playing weight and energy levels. These efforts reflect the team‘s holistic approach to player development, encompassing physical health and performance-related nutrition.
Such attention to detail helps athletes like Jones navigate the challenging path from injury recovery to on-field success, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle habits beyond just practice and workouts.
Building Momentum for the 2025 Season
As Elijah Jones prepares for his next opportunity in the 2025 preseason, his journey highlights determination and growth following the setback of last year’s injury. Shaping his knowledge, conditioning, and mental game, Jones looks to solidify his role within the Cardinals’ evolving defense.
With the cornerback room shaping into a competitive unit and Jones steadily climbing the depth chart, fans are hopeful that the 2025 preseason will mark the beginning of a breakout phase for the young defensive back.