Bengals training camp standout carted off with injury in final practice before preseason opener

UPDATE: Charlie Jones has been seen walking under his own power after being carted off, a good sign that he may've avoided major injury.

Jones confirmed that the injury involves his right knee and had an MRI. The severity is currently unknown.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Charlie Jones was carted off the field at Paycor Stadium Thursday afternoon.

The second-year receiver reportedly suffered a lower body injury, as trainers were seen focusing on his right knee.

Jones, Cincinnati's fourth-round pick in last year's NFL Draft, was having himself a very solid training camp for the Bengals year. He's been working mainly with the second-team offense, getting reps alongside rookie Jermaine Burton. Head coach Zac Taylor noted of his growth last week.

"He's playing faster," Taylor said of Jones . "I know that he made a point of emphasis with Joey [Boese] to get stronger. That's natural, you know, coming out of college and having to play receiver against the physicality, especially in this division. But what you also notice is he can play tougher and faster because he knows what to do. In year one, your head's spinning a little bit."

As a rookie, Jones played in 11 games, catching seven passes for 64 yards. He did most of his work as the team's punt returner . He fielded 34 punts, returning 23 of them for 248 yards and a touchdown.

While he's out, Jones' snaps at receiver will likely be taken by youngsters Shedrick Jackson and Kendric Pryor. Jones also been taking reps at kickoff returner, and Trenton Irwin, Kwamie Lassiter II, and Chase Brown are reportedly taking snaps there with him out. Irwin is the team's backup punt returner as well.

It's too early to say for certain if Jones' injury is serious, but getting carted off for a leg injury isn't usually a good sign. The timing is rough as well with Cincinnati's preseason opener in two days. The Bengals will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday.

Jones isn't likely to be out there in two days, and the rest of his preseason looks to be in jeopardy as well. For a young receiver looking to establish himself after an unproductive rookie year, a major injury is not good for his development.

Injuries have been an unfortunate theme over the past week for Cincinnati. Edge defender Cam Sample suffered a torn Achilles last week, and rookie McKinnley Jackson is out for the time being with a knee injury of his own.

Related: Bengals Roster Breakdown: Kendric Pryor is back where it all began with more odds stacked against him