By Brady Henderson

Depth at cornerback is no longer the only area of concern for the Seahawks defense.

The team placed pass-rushing defensive tackle Jason Jones on injured reserve Thursday, another blow to the depth along Seattle's defensive line.

Jason Jones recorded three sacks in 14 games. (AP)

Starting defensive tackle Alan Branch missed practice Wednesday with an ankle injury. The Seahawks are hopeful he can play in Sunday night's NFC West showdown with San Francisco.

They won't have Jones, whose season has surprisingly ended, presumably because of a balky knee.

Jones had a history of knee issues when the Seahawks gave him a one-year, $4.5 million contract before the season. The short-term deal was viewed as an opportunity for the former second-round pick to increase his value after four underwhelming seasons with the Titans.

If he could stay healthy and take advantage of the pass-rusher-friendly atmosphere at CenturyLink Field, the thinking went, he would free agency in better position to command a longer-term deal.

The Seahawks, meanwhile, hoped he could improve their interior pass rush in nickel situations. Jones recorded three sacks, 2.5 of which came on the road. He was credited with a half sack in Seattle's Week 15 win over Buffalo and also pressured quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick into an errant throw that was intercepted and returned for a touchdown.

The team credited Jones with 11 tackles, six passes defensed and a fumble recovery in 12 games. He missed two games because of an ankle injury.

In corresponding roster moves, the Seahawks promoted defensive tackle Hebron Fangupo from the practice squad and signed wide receiver Bryan Walters to fill Fangupo's spot on the practice squad. Walters attended Juanita High School in Kirkland, Wash.

Share: