Ronald Jones explains what led to his two-game suspension
The NFL issued a two-game suspension to Dallas Cowboys running back Ronald Jones Monday for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy.
Jones, who will miss the first two games of the 2023 regular season, addressed the suspension at training camp Tuesday. The 25-year-old said his failed test was for heart medicine he’s been prescribed since entering the league in 2018.
“We tried to appeal,” Jones said, via Todd Archer of ESPN. “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.”
Jones, who signed a one-year deal with Dallas in March, is eligible to continue practicing during training camp and play in preseason games. He will miss the season opener against the New York Giants, as well as the Week 2 showdown against the New York Jets. Jones can make his Cowboys debut in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals.
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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.
Ronald Jones competing for backup snaps behind Tony Pollard
With Tony Pollard entrenched as the RB1 in Dallas, Jones will compete for snaps alongside Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis and Deuce Vaughn. Head coach Mike McCarthy discussed his options behind Pollard this week.
“I tell you, I’m loving Rico,” 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.”