Lions activate WR Marvin Jones off non-football injury list

Allen Park — The Detroit Lions took a step closer to full strength, activating wide receiver Marvin Jones off the non-football injury list ahead of Monday's practice.

Re-signed by the Lions after a two-year stint in Jacksonville, the 33-year-old receiver has been dealing with a minor back injury he suffered between mandatory minicamp in mid-June and the start of training camp.

For those who didn't know about the injury, it would be difficult to tell. He's been working with a trainer on the sideline during the first week of camp practices, showing no issues going through a daily regiment of sprints and cuts.

"When you're on the sideline looking at everybody having fun, you're like, 'Ah,'" Jones said. "I knew it was going to come soon, so yeah, it just felt good overall to be out there, being in the flow, listening to the plays and all that stuff."

A 12-year veteran, Jones re-signed with the Lions, helping round out an offense that finished top five in both yardage and points last season. For the Jaguars last season, he appeared in 16 games, recording 46 catches for 529 yards and three touchdowns.

"(I'm going to do) whatever the team needs from me," Jones said. "If that's big plays, third downs, red zone, obviously, I plan on doing the same thing that I've done when I was here (before). I'm just excited. I'm excited to be here with this team.

"Obviously, it's a new look from a while ago. And it's a great look. Just excited."

The best stretch of Jones career came during his previous stint in Detroit, from 2016-20. In those five seasons, he averaged 58 receptions, 859 yards and seven touchdowns. His 36 receiving touchdowns are third in franchise history behind only Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson and Herman Moore.

Even if Jones has aged a bit since his last go-around, the vibes in Allen Park have him feeling young again.

"It's definitely a different vibe," Jones said. "Everybody just together. The camaraderie is there, coaches on down. It's good to be a part of. It's fun in meetings. … Football is always fun, but it's more fun when everybody is together."

jdrogers@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @Justin_Rogers

Nolan Bianchi contributed to this story.