Tag: Ronald Jones

Why free agent visitor, Ronald Jones, could be nice addition for Cowboys

Jones is just 25-years-old and was once a top-10 running back in the NFL making him an ideal value signing for the Cowboys, says @ReidDHanson.

Lost in the excitement of the Brandin Cooks trade, the Cowboys hosted a trio of free agent visitors on Monday. Offensive lineman Chuma Edoga (since signed), linebacker Travin Howard and running back Ronald Jones were all slated to undergo physicals at the Star and possible additions in the near future.

While all seem to offer varying degrees of value to Dallas’ roster, it’s Jones who stands out as the most noteworthy of the bunch. The two-time Super Bowl winner is only 25-years-old and with just 17 rushing attempts  in 2022, is coming off the lowest usage rate of his career.

The former second round pick is not expected to command significant money or commitment this offseason and could offer excellent value for the Cowboys if signed.

It wasn’t long ago Jones was one of the higher regarded running backs in the NFL. In 2020, Jones was the leading rusher on the Super Bowl champion Buccaneers. While Leonard Fournette garnered the most media attention, it was Jones who added more value in both EPA and RYOE.

Running behind the same line, Jones averaged 5.16 yards per carry compared to just 3.99 yards per carry for Fournette. Jones’ rushing yards over expected sat at 0.44 that season ranking eighth overall in NFL in 2020.

Jones’ running style isn’t dissimilar to the man he would potentially replace. The Cowboys recently cut ties with Ezekiel Elliott and is looking to add some pieces either in free agency or the draft (or both). Finding a player who matches well with Tony Pollard is a solid way for Dallas to keep some continuity to their running game roles.

While Pollard seems ready to take on a bigger role in 2023, the Cowboys value his explosiveness and won’t want to wear him down with a heavy workload. Having good players around him who have proven to be successful in this league is a good start.

Jones isn’t without warts. He has issues as a pass catcher, has at times shown suspect vision at the line, and has never had more than 200 rushing attempts in a season.

But as a pure depth piece, Jones has a high floor and can replace some of the things the Elliott used to do making him safe signing prior to the draft. Dallas’ re-signing of Rico Dowdle on Tuesday shouldn’t much change any thoughts about signing Jones; the offseason roster is 90 for a reason.

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Cowboys host 3 veteran free agents, including two-time Super Bowl RB

RB Ronald Jones II, LB Travin Howard, and OL Chuma Edoga were scheduled for physicals and evaluations at The Star as free agency continues. | From @ToddBrock24f7

The Cowboys were scheduled to bring in a trio of free agents as they look to fill in a few roster gaps with experienced talent that should come somewhat cheaper than the big-name veterans signed during last week’s initial rush.

Running back Ronald Jones II, linebacker Travin Howard, and offensive lineman Chuma Edoga were expected to undergo physicals and be evaluated Monday at the The Star in Frisco, according to Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.

Jones played high school ball in the Metroplex before a three-year college career at USC. A second-round draft pick of Tampa Bay in 2018, Jones logged 2,174 rushing yards over four seasons with the Bucs, winning a Super Bowl in the process. In 2022, he signed with Kansas City, but he got into just six games with the Chiefs; he won another Super Bowl ring in February but did not take the field during the game.

Howard played collegiately at TCU and was a seventh-round draft pick by the Rams in 2018. He made just 29 regular-season game appearances over three years; his most memorable highlight came in the 2021 NFC Championship, when he picked off a Jimmy Garoppolo pass in the final two minutes to send the Rams to Super Bowl LVI. He was out for most of 2022 with a core muscle injury, but Cowboys special teams coordinator John Fassel is familiar with Howard after their time together in L.A.

Edoga was a third-round selection by the Jets in 2019 out of USC. After three seasons in New York as a tackle who could play either the right or left side, the lineman was claimed off waivers by Atlanta and saw work at left guard.

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Cowboys hosting Chiefs free agent RB Ronald Jones on a visit

#Chiefs free agent RB Ronald Jones is set to visit the #Cowboys on Monday, per report.

The Dallas Cowboys are set to host one of the Kansas City Chiefs’ remaining free agents on a visit on Monday.

According to The Dallas Morning News reporter Michael Gehlken, the Cowboys are set to host Chiefs RB Ronald Jones II at 1 AT&T Way in Arlington, Texas on Monday. A McKinney North graduate, this could signal a return to the Dallas area for Jones, who spent the last season as the third-string running back in Kansas City.

A healthy scratch for the majority of the season, Jones appeared in just six games for Kansas City in 2022, but he only had touches in five of those games. He finished the season with just 17 attempts for 70 yards and one touchdown.

This past season was a low-mileage year for Jones after three consecutive seasons with over 100 carries. Despite the limited role with the Chiefs, Jones never once complained or caused issues. He played his part and he’s a two-time Super Bowl champion as a result.

With the Cowboys moving on from former first-round draft pick Ezekiel Elliott, it appears that they’re checking in on some budget options to work as a complement to Tony Pollard. The Chiefs can only hope that Jones’ deal goes well and that he signs a contract or plays enough to net them a compensatory pick in 2024.

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4 Chiefs free agents the Saints should be scouting in Super Bowl LVII

Defensive tackle Khalen Saunders is among 4 Chiefs free agents the Saints should be scouting in Super Bowl LVII:

Let’s start off by acknowledging the New Orleans Saints probably won’t be big spenders in free agency again this year — they’re currently sitting out the salary cap by more than $57 million, and they’re hard at work trying to figure out how they could fit a $32 million cap hit for Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr on the books.

But that’s not to say the Saints won’t be active at all. They signed multiple contributors to low-cost contracts last year, and they’ll be on the look for help again in 2023. And that could bring them back to the Kansas City Chiefs. Both of the Saints’ leaders in interceptions last year came from Kansas City: safeties Tyrann Mathieu (3) and Daniel Sorensen (2). With the Chiefs soon kicking off Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles, here are four pending free agents to watch who could fit New Orleans’ needs:

Fantasy Football: 8 utilization stats to know from Week 18

Here are the top fantasy football utilization stats you need to know from Week 18 of the 2022 NFL season. 

Here are the top fantasy football utilization stats you need to know from Week 18 of the 2022 NFL season.

Chiefs RB Ronald Jones donates funds for new playground at Morse Early Childhood Center

#Chiefs RB Ronald Jones hasn’t been in Kansas City for that long, but he’s already giving back to the community.

Ronald Jones hasn’t been part of the Kansas City community for long, but he and his foundation are making a big impact on a local public school.

Earlier this week, Jones and his foundation along with Patrick Mahomes’ 15 and the Mahomies foundation made an $80K donation to the Morse Early Childhood Center in Kansas City, Kansas. That donation will allow for the construction of a new playground for the kids next year, among other things.

“We were able to donate a check for a new playground for the kids going into next year,” Jones said. “It always warms my heart to be able to give back and bless others because God has blessed me with so much.”

“We came to K.C. and we leave the community better than how you found it,” Jones’ mother Jacque said.

Jones signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs back in March. He’s been active for just four games this season with five carries for 18 yards and one reception on one target for 22 yards. His impact off the field, however, is immeasurable in the hearts and minds of those at Morse Early Childhood Center.

You can find out more information about The Rojo Foundation here.

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Here’s what Chiefs RB Ronald Jones said about his Week 12 debut

#Chiefs RB Ronald Jones spoke about his 2022 NFL season debut against the #Rams in Week 12.

Kansas City Chiefs RB Ronald Jones saw his first opportunity of the 2022 NFL season in Week 12 against the Los Angeles Rams.

A healthy scratch for 10 consecutive weeks, Jones turned his “legitimate chance to play” into a fruitful debut with the Chiefs in Week 12. He appeared in 15% of the team’s offensive snaps, carrying the ball four times for 12 yards and catching a 22-yard reception. He didn’t have a single negative play all game long.

Speaking to reporters in the locker room after the game, Jones felt satisfied with what he was able to show on Sunday afternoon.

“I feel good,” Jones said. “(Head) Coach (Andy Reid) said I was going to get a few plays, so just staying ready all week and focused all week. You know, just being a pro.”

Part of being a professional is staying prepared for anything and everything. While Jones didn’t expect to be the read that Patrick Mahomes went to on his 22-yard reception, he said that he practiced for that moment and opportunity.

“Nah, I didn’t,” Jones said. “But we work it in practice all the time, so you’ve got to stay ready. He’s (Patrick Mahomes) a magician back there, so he can hit any one of us at any time.”

Jones didn’t go into the practice week with any expectations of his role knowing that Clyde Edwards-Helaire had been placed on injured reserve. Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy also didn’t give him anything extra, knowing that he’s been preparing for his chance all season long.

“No, just some regular scheme and blitzes,” Jones said. “Things that we do every week. I’ve been prepping the whole time, just staying in shape and getting out there. Game speed is a little different, huffing and puffing, but I was glad to be out there. I could play another quarter right now.”

Taking advantage of this opportunity will only lead to more chances for Jones to get out there and be more involved on offense in the future.

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Here’s what Chiefs RB Ronald Jones said about his Week 12 debut

#Chiefs RB Ronald Jones spoke about his 2022 NFL season debut against the #Rams in Week 12.

Kansas City Chiefs RB Ronald Jones saw his first opportunity of the 2022 NFL season in Week 12 against the Los Angeles Rams.

A healthy scratch for 10 consecutive weeks, Jones turned his “legitimate chance to play” into a fruitful debut with the Chiefs in Week 12. He appeared in 15% of the team’s offensive snaps, carrying the ball four times for 12 yards and catching a 22-yard reception. He didn’t have a single negative play all game long.

Speaking to reporters in the locker room after the game, Jones felt satisfied with what he was able to show on Sunday afternoon.

“I feel good,” Jones said. “(Head) Coach (Andy Reid) said I was going to get a few plays, so just staying ready all week and focused all week. You know, just being a pro.”

Part of being a professional is staying prepared for anything and everything. While Jones didn’t expect to be the read that Patrick Mahomes went to on his 22-yard reception, he said that he practiced for that moment and opportunity.

“Nah, I didn’t,” Jones said. “But we work it in practice all the time, so you’ve got to stay ready. He’s (Patrick Mahomes) a magician back there, so he can hit any one of us at any time.”

Jones didn’t go into the practice week with any expectations of his role knowing that Clyde Edwards-Helaire had been placed on injured reserve. Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy also didn’t give him anything extra, knowing that he’s been preparing for his chance all season long.

“No, just some regular scheme and blitzes,” Jones said. “Things that we do every week. I’ve been prepping the whole time, just staying in shape and getting out there. Game speed is a little different, huffing and puffing, but I was glad to be out there. I could play another quarter right now.”

Taking advantage of this opportunity will only lead to more chances for Jones to get out there and be more involved on offense in the future.

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Chiefs RB Ronald Jones could make his debut in Week 12

#Chiefs HC Andy Reid says RB Ronald Jones II has a legitimate chance to play against the #Rams in Week 12.

A player who hasn’t suited up once this season could end up making his Kansas City Chiefs debut in Week 12.

Ronald Jones signed a one-year deal with the team back in March. He competed during the offseason for an opportunity with the team in 2022, making the 53-man roster out of training camp. Yet, the veteran halfback has been made a healthy scratch in all 10 games this season. Even when the running game has struggled, the Chiefs stuck with the trio of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon.

With Edwards-Helaire heading to injured reserve with a high ankle sprain, Chiefs HC Andy Reid says that there is a chance we’ll see Jones for the first time in Week 12.

“Yeah, just it’s an opportunity to get in and work, literally,” Reid said. “And there’s a chance, he has a chance to play — a legitimate chance. But within that he’s got to make sure he has all the protections down and the timing of the runs. Those are things we’ll look at, but he’s been working at it and I don’t think he should have a problem with that.”

What’s interesting is that Jones being active isn’t considered a given, but instead a chance. You can see from Reid’s comments that there are things that Jones needs to take care of and prepare for during the practice week to prove himself. Things like getting the protection calls down and making sure he’s got his timing on runs and routes down.

Not having played snaps in a game since late August, means there’s an element of rust that he’ll have to knock off. The only other thing that could potentially keep Jones out of the lineup is the fact that he doesn’t play special teams. Dave Toub has a lot of roster control and that’s one of the reasons that the veteran has been made inactive to this point.

One thing is for certain: Should Jones get the opportunity to play in Week 12, he’ll have to make the absolute most of it.

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Tunnel Vision

Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.

SUNDAY SALUTES
Quarterbacks Pass-Rush TD
 Joe Burrow 355-2 4
 Daniel Jones 341-50 2
 Jacoby Brissett 324-29 3
 Jalen Hurts 190-86 2
Patrick Mahomes 329-23 3
Running Backs Rush-Catch TD
Tony Pollard 15-80
6-109		 2
Samaje Perine 11-30
4-52		 3
Najee Harris 20-90
4-26		 2
Derrick Henry 28-87
2-45		 2
Jamaal Williams  17-64 3
Wide Receivers Yards TD
Davante Adams 7-141 2
Amari Cooper 8-113 2
Tee Higgins 9-148 0
Demarcus Robinson 9-128 0
Josh Palmer 8-106 2
Tight Ends Yards TD
Austin Hooper 4-36 2
Pat Freiermuth 8-79 0
Dawson Knox 7-70 0
Juwan Johnson 3-47 1
Travis Kelce 6-115 3
Placekickers XP FG
Brett Maher 4 4
Tyler Bass 1 6
Evan McPherson 4 3
Daniel Carlson 1 3
Brandon McManus 1 3
Defense Sack – TO TD
Patriots 4-0 1
Ravens 4-3 0
Cowboys 7-1 0
Commanders 5-2 1
Falcons 4-1 0

Bumps, Bruises and Bowouts

QB Matt Stafford (LAR) – Concussion
QB Justin Fields (CHI) – Shoulder
RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (KC) – Ankle
RB Jaylen Warren (PIT) – Hamstring
RB Chase Edmonds (DEN) – Ankle
RB Joe Mixon (CIN) – Concussion
WR Wan’Dale Robinson (NYG) – Knee
WR Kadarius Toney (KC) – Hamstring
WR Mike Williams (LAC) – Ankle
TE Kyle Pitts (ATL) – Knee|

Chasing Ambulances

QB Matt Stafford – Was pulled from the game to test for a concussion and did not return. Bryce Perkins replaced him because John Wolford was out with a neck injury. This is the second concussion this season, so the Rams may be very cautious with their star quarterback. This downgrades the Rams fantasy starters even more.

QB Justin Fields – Injured his shoulder on the final drive and was carted to the locker room. He spoke to reporters after the game but was in obvious pain and admitted as much. He is initially considered day-to-day until more is known.

RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire – Suffered a high-ankle sprain, the second of his young career. He could  miss several weeks and strengthen the hold that Isiah Pacheco has on the starting job.

WR Kadarius Toney – Was limited to just one catch because his hamstring tightened up on him and they held him out. It wasn’t initially described as serious but is bothersome since his hamstrings have been an issue for the two years that he’s been in the NFL.

RB Jaylen Warren – Left the loss to the Bengals with a right hamstring strain.  Warren had worked his way into the lineup but could miss time. More should be known by Wednesday but any time he misses helps Najee Harris reassert his role in the backfield.

RB Joe Mixon – Left the win over the Steelers with a head injury and was ruled out, while Samaje Perine had a career day. The severity of the concussion will be determined on Monday.

WR Wan’Dale Robinson – Had a breakout game with nine catches for 100 yards but injured his knee and was ruled out.  He was in much pain after his leg twisted during his final catch. There is concern that it was a serious knee injury which would mean missing time and potentially many weeks. More will be known no later than the injury report on Wednesday.

WR Mike Williams – Missed four weeks with an ankle injury and had a beautiful 15-yard toe-tapper against the Chiefs in his first game back. And he hobbled back to the sideline with a reaggravation of the injury. An MRI on Monday should yield more information.

TE Kyle Pitts – Left the win over the Bears after taking a nasty low-helmet hit to his knee. Initial reports are that he did not tear any ligaments and just sprained the knee. He’s due to get an MRI on Monday to confirm the prognosis and recovery expectations.

Free Agents, Flops and Other Notables

RB Ronald Jones (KC) –  The high-ankle sprain to Clyde Edwards-Helaire means that the Chiefs will likely move Ronald Jones to being active for game day. That’s no guarantee he even has a touch, but it gets him closer to the field and of interest if Isiah Pacheco or Jerick McKinnon are injured.

QB Zach Wilson (NYJ) – Ended the loss to the Patriots with 9-of-22 completions for 77 yards, and the offense combined for only two yards in the second half. HC Robert Saleh said after the game that Wilson is their quarterback and that they need “to make him better.” Whatever that process is does not work, and Wilson is killing their chance to win when defense and running the ball are not enough. No receiver caught more than two passes or gained more than 35 yards. Garrett Wilson’s rookie season is being wasted while waiting on a second-year quarterback to show that he belongs in the NFL.

RB Damien Harris (NE) – He started the win over the Jets and while Rhamondre Stevenson ended with 15 carries for 26 yards, Harris used his eight runs to gain 65 yards with several impressive chunk plays. Stevenson was also the lead receiver with six catches for 56 yards but Harris ended with 28 yards on two receptions for 93 total yards. It was Harris’ first playing time since Week 8.

WR TuTu Atwell (LAR) – First game without Cooper Kupp and Atwell netted his first NFL touchdown on a 62-yard bomb. That gives him two catches on the year including the 54-yard catch in Week 5. His 58-yard average catch is the highest in the NFL though his volume certainly lacks.

WR Allen Robinson (LAR) – His first game as the No. 1 wideout for the Rams resulted in four catches for 47 yards and a touchdown. It was in line with all his other games, and the chance that Matt Stafford could miss time with his second concussion would reset any expectations.

WR DJ Chark, Jameson Williams (DET) – Chark was activated from injured reserve and was active on Sunday though he failed to catch his lone target in the low-volume passing game at the Giants. Williams is looking at coming off injured reserve after this week and could be available for Week 13 against the Jaguars or Week 14 versus the Vikings. It’s all an indicator that the passing game should be changing in Detroit with two players being added.

RB Samaje Perine (CIN) – Joe Mixon was injured in the middle of the second quarter and Perine took over as the primary back. He ended with 11 runs for 30 yards at the Steelers but caught four passes for 52 yards and three touchdowns, second to only Tee Higgins. He’s a needed backup for the Mixon owner and could be the starter this week at the Titans if Mixon doesn’t pass the concussion protocol.

RB Najee Harris (PIT) – Jaylen Warren was making inroads to a bigger share of the backfield but Najee Harris ran for 99 yards on 20 carries in Week 10 against the Saints while Warren gained 37 yards on nine carries. On Sunday, Warren injured his hamstring and was forced from the game. Harris turned in 20 rushes for 90 yards and two scores against the Bengals and added four catches for 26 yards. He’s finally looked more in 2021 form for the last two weeks.

RB Isiah Pacheco (KC) – Was given the start in Week 10 when he rushed for 82 yards on 15 carries and again on Sunday when he gained 107 yards on 15 carries. Pacheco is the clear primary back and could see even more work with Clyde  Edwards-Helaire out with a hamstring issue.

WR Joshua Palmer (LAC) –  Mike Williams missed four weeks with an ankle injury and returned Sunday to catch a pass and re-injure himself. Palmer stepped up with a season-best eight catches for 106 yards and two touchdowns. He’s in line to start again at the Cardinals next week if Williams remains out.

Huddle player of the week

Tony Pollard  –  The Cowboys “No. 2” back turned in a career-best performance at the win in Minnesota over the Vikings. He rushed for 80 yards on 15 carries and added a team-high six catches for 109 yards and two touchdowns. There was plenty left over for Ezekiel Elliott who also scored twice, but Pollard’s speed and talent now have him with the bigger share of the Dallas workload.

Salute!

Drama 101 – Somebody has to laugh, somebody has to cry

Comedy Yards TDs Tragedy Yards TDs
QB Jacoby Brissett 353 3 QB Kirk Cousins 105 0
RB Samaje Perine 82 3 RB Saquon Barkley 35 0
RB Matt Breida 29 1 RB Dameon Pierce 17 0
WR D. Robinson 128 0 WR Adam Thielen 25 0
WR TuTu Atwell 62 1 WR Justin Jefferson 33 0
WR Richie James 48 1 WR CeeDee Lamb 45 0
TE Austin Hooper 36 2 TE Dalton Schultz 22 0
PK Tyler Bass  1 XP   5 FG PK Greg Joseph  1 FG
Huddle Fantasy Points = 135 Huddle Fantasy Points = 23

Now get back to work…