The Associated Press

CINCINNATI — Cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones will miss the rest of his comeback season with the Cincinnati Bengals because of a neck injury that might require surgery.

The Bengals placed Jones on injured reserve Tuesday with a herniated disk in his neck. Jones was injured late in a 39-32 loss to Atlanta on Sunday. He was examined by a doctor who indicated that surgery was needed, agent Tom Hunter told The Associated Press.

Jones will see other specialists before deciding whether to have surgery, Hunter said. An operation wouldn’t necessarily end his career.

“It looks very promising for him,” Hunter said. “Do not ever count this man out. He is going to be back.”

Jones was out of football last year after Dallas let him go. The Bengals gave him what amounted to a last chance, signing him to a two-year deal in the offseason. Jones played well in preseason, winning the job as the third cornerback behind Leon Hall and Johnathan Joseph. He also returned punts and kickoffs.

He missed one game with a shoulder injury. With Joseph sidelined by an ankle injury, Jones started against the Falcons and had one of the game’s pivotal plays, stripping receiver Roddy White after a catch and returning the ball 59 yards for a touchdown that put the Bengals ahead 25-24.

Jones was Tennessee’s first-round pick in 2005. Six arrests and a dozen instances involving police intervention quickly scuttled his career. He was suspended for the entire 2007 season with Tennessee. The Cowboys gave him another chance, but he was suspended for six games in 2008 for an alcohol-related scuffle with a team-provided bodyguard.

When he signed with the Bengals, he knew he was getting a last chance to salvage his career.

“He’s learned to channel that energy in the right direction,” Hunter said. “That’s why I’m even more optimistic, as Adam is, that he’s going to bounce back and be fine. Indications are that he’s going to be OK.”

The Bengals also made a change in their backup tight ends on Tuesday, signing free agent J.P. Foschi and waiving Daniel Coats. Foschi started 10 games for the Bengals last season. He will be one of the backups to rookie starter Jermaine Gresham.