The Saints have parted ways with one of the three fullbacks on their roster, according to Rand Getlin of Yahoo! Sports, who reports (via Twitter) that the team has released veteran Greg Jones. The move leaves Erik Lorig and Austin Johnson as the two fullbacks in New Orleans.
A former second-round pick, Jones spent nine seasons with the Jaguars before playing for the Texans in 2013. Primarily serving as a blocker, the 33-year-old has nonetheless accumulated 272 career carries, racking up 913 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. Per Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required), Jones was the league’s best blocking fullback in 2010, and has ranked among the top 10 in that category in the years since.
The Saints inked Jones a deal earlier this month, presumably as an insurance policy for Lorig, who has missed the majority of training camp and preseason with an undisclosed injury. If New Orleans is willing to drop Jones, it could mean that Lorig will be healthy for the regular season or that the team is comfortable rolling with Johnson instead.