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. This suspension comes as a result of his signing a one-year contract with the Cowboys in March. Despite the suspension, Jones will be able to continue practicing during training camp and participate in preseason games.
The suspension will officially take effect on September 3rd, and Jones will be eligible to return to the Cowboys on September 18th, just a day after their Week 2 meeting against the New York Jets.
It is worth noting that Jones had a relatively limited role with the Kansas City Chiefs last year, carrying the ball only 17 times in six games. However, he did manage to accumulate 70 yards and score a touchdown. On the other hand, Jones had a standout season in 2020 while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, helping the team secure a Super Bowl victory. That year, he recorded 978 rushing yards on 192 carries, along with seven touchdowns.
The Cowboys currently lack experienced depth behind starting running back Tony Pollard, who is recovering from high-ankle surgery in January. Competing for the backup spots behind Pollard are Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis, and Deuce Vaughn, a sixth-round pick in this year's draft.
Dowdle appeared in five games last year before an ankle injury ended his season prematurely. So far in his career, he has only carried the ball seven times for a total of 24 yards. Davis, on the other hand, made the Cowboys' roster last year as an undrafted free agent. During that season, he recorded 161 rushing yards on 38 attempts, scoring a touchdown. Additionally, Davis contributed with six receptions for 63 receiving yards.