Marvin Jones Jr. Leaves Lions for Personal Reasons

Former Cal standout was absent from Sunday's game and was released by Detroit on Tuesday

Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr. announced on Instagram on Tuesday that he is "stepping away" from the team to "take care of family matters." 

In response, the Lions announced they have released Jones. When or if the former Cal wide receiver will return to the club is not clear. The Lions' next game is against the Raiders on Monday night.

Jones was not with the team on Sunday, when the Lions lost to Baltimore 38-6.

His Instagram message reads as follows:

I just want to say that I have so much love and respect for the Ford Family, the city of Detroit, my teammates 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!!!

Love and respect to ALL!

Marvin Jones Jr.

When asked Sunday whether Jones' absence would be long term, Lions coach Dan Campbell said it was "hard to say on that right now."

"It's just all I can tell you it's a personal issue," Campbell said.

Jones, 33, was a starting wide receiver for the Lions in their 2023 season opener, but had only two catches for 8 yards in that win over the Chiefs.  He was a starter in four of Detroit's first five games, came off the bench in the sixth game and was not with the team for this past Sunday's game.

Jones has only five catches for 35 yards and no touchdowns for the season.

Jones played five seasons with Detroit (2016-2020) before playing the past two seasons for Jacksonville. He rejoined the Lions as a free agent in the offseason.

Cover photo of Marvin Jones Jr. by Junfu Han, USA TODAY NETWORK 

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