KC Chiefs: It’s time to see what Ronald Jones brings to the table

When the Kansas City Chiefs signed running back Ronald Jones this past offseason, it was almost a unanimously approved signing by the fanbase. A seasoned veteran with Super Bowl-winning experience that ideally provided depth to a questionable running back room.

Then, the team drafted explosive rookie Isiah Pacheco at the tail end of the 2022 NFL Draft and that move had apparently pushed Jones just off the active roster as Pacheco flashed in training camp and preseason and quite frankly outperformed Jones. There was no way the Chiefs were keeping four running backs on the active roster as Jerick McKinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire were locked in for the top two spots. So, Jones was put on the practice squad in the end and simply fell out of favor.

Since then, Jones hasn’t logged a single snap this season and has even previously requested to be released by the team due to lack of playing time. The Chiefs held firm on keeping Jones as he remains on the bench.

It’s time to see what Ronald Jones brings to KC Chiefs running game

None of the Chiefs’ current running backs on the active roster have really succeeded in establishing themselves as the No. 1 running back in the rotation this season. We’ve seen a lot of variance in who contributes the most or gets the most touches and the Chiefs’ running game overall has been lackluster as of recently.

Just last game against the Tennessee Titans, the Chiefs were simply incapable of running the ball and no running back even ran the ball better than a 2 yards per carry average. While not all of the blame should be put solely on the running backs for the lack of production, the Chiefs aren’t getting enough out of who they have and the constant failed first down runs that put the Chiefs in 2nd and long all the time are holding the offense back.

At this point, many fans are begging the question, “Why can’t Ronald Jones get a shot?” Because with the way things are going right now with the rushing attack, it wouldn’t hurt to try something different.

Not only that, but Jerick McKinnon is questionable heading into Sunday’s game against Jacksonville so that would theoretically mean there’s a spot open for Jones to slide into. The Chiefs evidently ignored Jones despite his request for release so if you’re not going to play him now with an injury to the position group and a struggling run game why’d you keep him?

Jones has had success before with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and averaged a career 4.5 yards per carry before signing with the Chiefs. Sure, Jones doesn’t bring much to the receiving game but he’s a solid runner and offers decent explosion. Jones is also a threat to take runs to the house once he gets to the second level of the defense. He has his shortcomings, but it’s worth a shot at this point in the season after there clearly isn’t a true workhorse back that’s emerged for Kansas City. Not that Jones would be that, but he could help at the very least.

Jones struggled in preseason but he also wasn’t done any favors playing behind the Chiefs’ backup offensive line. We saw in the last game of the preseason that he ran with the ones and he was able to earn a spot on the practice squad after that performance. There’s reason to believe Jones could look much better behind the Chiefs’ starting offensive line especially because he is a pair of fresh legs as he hasn’t taken a carry this season. It’s time to see what Jones brings to the table.