Dallas Cowboys Running Back Ronald Jones Suspended for Two Games for PED Violation
OXNARD, Calif. — Dallas Cowboys running back Ronald Jones has been suspended for the first two games of the regular season for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Jones, who signed a one-year contract with the Cowboys in March, can continue to practice during training camp and play in the preseason games. His suspension takes effect on Sept. 3, and he is eligible to return to the Cowboys on Sept. 18, a day after their Week 2 meeting against the New York Jets.
Jones had just 17 carries in six games last year with the Kansas City Chiefs, finishing with 70 yards and a touchdown. His best season came in 2020 when he had 978 yards on 192 carries and seven touchdowns in helping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win the Super Bowl.
The Cowboys are thin on experience behind starting running back Tony Pollard, who is coming back from high-ankle surgery in January. Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis, and Deuce Vaughn, a sixth-round pick in this year’s draft, are competing for the spots behind Pollard with Jones.
Dowdle played in five games last year before an ankle injury ended his season. He has just seven carries for 24 yards in his career. Davis made the Cowboys last year as an undrafted free agent. He had 161 yards on 38 carries and a touchdown last year to go along with six catches for 63 yards.
“I tell you, I’m loving Rico,” coach Mike McCarthy said before the announcement of Jones’ suspension. “It’s great to have him back. Malik, he’s taken that jump that you’re looking for. Those two guys have really jumped out. Obviously, we’ve got to get Deuce involved. I think that’s important … He’s a guy that was on my mind during the summer.”
In light of Jones’ suspension, the Cowboys will need to rely on their depth at the running back position. Tony Pollard, who had a solid season in 2022, will likely shoulder the majority of the workload in Jones’ absence. Pollard is returning from high-ankle surgery but is expected to be fully recovered by the start of the regular season.
Behind Pollard, the Cowboys have a group of young and unproven running backs vying for playing time. Rico Dowdle, who showed promise before his season-ending ankle injury last year, will look to make an impact in his second season. Malik Davis, an undrafted free agent from last year, also impressed in limited opportunities and will be competing for carries.
One player to watch is Deuce Vaughn, a rookie sixth-round pick in this year’s draft. Vaughn has caught the attention of coach Mike McCarthy during offseason workouts and could earn a significant role in the offense. Despite his small stature, Vaughn possesses great speed and elusiveness, making him a potential weapon in both the running and passing game.
While Jones’ suspension is undoubtedly a setback for the Cowboys, it provides an opportunity for their young running backs to step up and prove themselves. The competition for playing time will be fierce during training camp and preseason games, as each player looks to make their case for a spot on the roster.
The Cowboys’ coaching staff has expressed confidence in their depth at the running back position. They believe that Dowdle, Davis, and Vaughn have the talent and potential to contribute to the team’s success. With Jones set to miss the first two games of the regular season, these young players will have a chance to showcase their abilities on the field.
As for Jones, he will need to use this suspension as a learning experience and make better choices moving forward. Violating the NFL’s drug policy not only hurts his own reputation but also has consequences for his team. Jones will need to regain the trust of his coaches and teammates upon his return and prove that he can be a reliable and responsible player.
In conclusion, Ronald Jones’ suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy is a blow to the Dallas Cowboys’ running back depth. However, it presents an opportunity for their young players to step up and make an impact. Tony Pollard will likely take on a larger role in Jones’ absence, while Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis, and Deuce Vaughn will compete for playing time. The Cowboys’ coaching staff is confident in their depth at the position and believes that these young players have the potential to contribute to the team’s success. Jones will need to learn from this suspension and make better choices moving forward to regain the trust of his team.