Dallas Cowboys release RB Ronald Jones after 2-game suspension ends

The Dallas Cowboys have released veteran running back Ronald Jones, whom they signed to a one-year deal this offseason.

Jones was eligible to return to the Cowboys’ active roster Monday after serving a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. But with four running backs already on the 53-man roster, the Cowboys and head coach Mike McCarthy made the decision to cut ties with the 26-year-old.

A second-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft out of USC, Jones spent four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning a Super Bowl in 2020. In 55 games (25 starts), Jones rushed for 2,174 yards on 4.5 yards per carry and 18 touchdowns. He added 76 receptions for 571 yards and a score through the air. Jones spent the 2022 season with the Kansas City Chiefs, but appeared in just six games en route to winning another Super Bowl.

He entered the 2023 season with an opportunity to earn the backup job behind Tony Pollard before his suspension derailed his chance. Jones said his failed test was for heart medicine he’s been prescribed since entering the league in 2018.

“We tried to appeal,” Jones said. “I asked for a re-test, sample my blood, my health concerns and they didn’t really look at it. I think there needs to be more protection for the players… If you have health issues, we’re a human being outside of football… We have real-life issues too. My family suffers from heart disease.”

Cowboys running game rolling without Ronald Jones

Through two games, the Cowboys have ran the ball more than any other team in the NFL with Pollard leading the way. Dallas sits seventh in the NFL with 256 rushing yards, though on just 3.5 yards per carry. Pollard, in his first season as the lead tailback, has rushed for 142 yards on 39 carries and two touchdowns.

“I feel like he’s definitely built for it,” McCarthy said, via Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News.

McCarthy added: “He’s doing all the little things we’re asking of him.”