In 2011 after Barber was released by the Cowboys, the expectation was that Jones would be the primary running back. He also slimmed down into the 210-215 pound range, in order to regain some of the explosiveness he lost in the previous year. After suffering a left high ankle sprain in the fifth game of the season against the New England Patriots, the four games he missed gave rookie DeMarco Murray the opportunity to earn the starter position. Against the Giants, Murray was lost for the year when he broke his ankle in the first quarter, giving Jones a chance to rush for 106 yards and have six receptions for 31 yards. He rushed for 108 yards on 22 carries, and added three receptions for 23 yards against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He finished the year with 585 rushing yards on 127 carries (4.6 average) and 33 receptions for 221 yards.