NFL: Saints sign veteran fullback Greg Jones

The New Orleans Saints signed veteran fullback Greg Jones on Wednesday to help fill the void while Erik Lorig is sidelined due to leg injury. No details yet from the Saints as to when Lorig is predicted back or the specifics of the injury.

Aug 29, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Houston Texans fullback Greg Jones (33) prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

In the meantime the 6-foot-1, 251-pounder is a 10 year veteran who spent his first nine seasons playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars before spending last season with the Houston Texans.  Jones, 33, has primarily served as a lead blocker in 131 career games. He has had a total of 272 carries for 913 yards and 10 touchdowns in his career plus 73 receptions for 471 yards and three touchdowns.

Last season Jones played in all 16 games for the Texans with five starts, a total of two rushes for two yards and five receptions for 34 yards.

But don’t forget about young fullback Austin Johnson, the Saints have as a roster hopefully spent most of last season on the practice squad.

The Saints had a roster spot open for Jones after they released three players Tuesday and signed two others, including tight end Richard Quinn and wide receiver Tobais Palmer.