Lions WR Marvin Jones stepping away from football due to ‘personal matter’

Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones announced on Instagram on Tuesday that he’s stepping away from football to “take care of personal family matters.” Jones did not travel with the team to Baltimore to play the Ravens on Sunday.

Jones shared little about the family matter, but shared his respect and appreciation for his teammates, coaches, and the Lions organization. The Lions announced they released Jones shortly after he announced he would be stepping away.

“I just want to say that I have so much love and respect for the Ford Family, the city of Detroit, my teammate and coaches. To be brief, I am stepping away from the team to take care of personal family matters. Although this was no easy decision, I cannot be the person/player that I need to be for this team as well as tend to my family from afar. This organization has been amazing showing love and support for myself and my family over the years and this time is no different. For that I am appreciative. To my brothers and coaches, I will be rooting for you every step of the way! This is the year! Go get it!!!,” Jones wrote.

“Love and respect to ALL!” he concluded.

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A post shared by Marvin Jones Jr (@marvinjonesjr)

Jones is in his second stint with the Lions. He first signed with Detroit prior to the 2016 season after spending four seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. He played five seasons in Detroit through 2020 before playing 2021 and 2022 in Jacksonville. He signed as a free agent to come back to Detroit ahead of the 2023 season.

Jones has made five starts and has 5 catches for 35 yards through seven games this season.

Jones is not a huge piece of the offense, but a reeling Lions’ team could use any and all help

Detroit got skunked by the Ravens on Sunday, losing 38-6 and getting beaten — badly — from the opening drive. The Lions’ defense had no answers for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense and Jared Goff and Co. couldn’t do much of anything.

Rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs scored his first NFL touchdown, but with David Montgomery out, the running game suffered and the passing game was ineffective on Sunday. Montgomery may or may not be back this upcoming week against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday Night Football, but if he isn’t, Gibbs will need to keep stepping up, along with the offensive line and Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams in the passing game.