Jones expected to walk

Former LSU football and baseball athlete Chad Jones is still in a New Orleans hospital as of Monday’s press time after being involved in a one-car accident Friday morning in New Orleans.

The New York Giants’ signee suffered a broken left leg and ankle in the accident, and he reportedly underwent emergency surgery following the crash to “save Jones’ leg,” according to his agent, Rocky Arceneaux.

But the agent has since released a statement saying the surgery was successful, and the former Tigers’ safety and pitcher/outfielder is expected to walk again.

When asked if he’d ever be able to play again, the agent said Jones is eyeballing the 2011 football season.

“I think he should be able to walk again and run again based on the type of athlete Chad is,” Arceneaux told the Shreveport Times on Saturday.

The New Orleans Police Department is still investigating the cause for the accident. Arceneaux and the police both have said they do not believe alcohol was involved in the accident, but toxicology tests will determine a final answer in the coming days.

Jones was a two-time national champion at LSU, helping the Tigers win the 2007 BCS National Championship, as well as the 2009 College World Series.

His success in both sports earned him the opportunity to be professional in either – in addition to being a third round draft choice in the NFL Draft, Jones was also picked in the MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers, even though he didn’t play baseball in 2010.

But an intense road to recovery will have to take place before either scenario can come to fruition.

Arceneaux said his client is lucky to be alive.

“It could have been a lot worse,” Arceneaux said.