Dallas Cowboys running back Ronald Jones suspended for first two games in 2023
According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Dallas Cowboys running back Ronald Jones has been suspended for the first two games of the regular season. Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News later revealed Jones violated the league’s performance-enhancing policies.
Jones will not be paid through the duration of his suspension.
“The NFL has suspended Cowboys RB Ronald Jones two games without pay for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances,” Gehlken said. “He is expected to address the situation with reporters Tuesday in Oxnard.”
Jones will see neither New York team in a Cowboys uniform this season. Dallas opens on Sunday Night Football against the Giants on Sept. 10, followed by a showdown against Aaron Rodgers and the Jets the following week.
Sept. 24 is when Jones will be eligible to return when the Cowboys head to the desert to face off against the Arizona Cardinals.
The NFL released a statement on the situation, confirming the reasoning behind Jones’ suspension. Thankfully for Dallas, the running back can still practice during the offseason and participate in preseason games. But once the regular season gets underway, Jones will begin his suspension.
“Ronald Jones of the Dallas Cowboys has been suspended without pay for the first two games of the 2023 regular season for violating the NFL Policy of Performing-Enhancing Substances,” it read. “Jones is eligible to participate in all preseason practices and games. He will be allowed to return to the team’s active roster on Monday, Sept. 18 following the team’s Week 2 game vs. the New York Jets.”
Jones appeared in just six games last season with the Kansas City Chiefs. He rushed for 70 yards on 17 attempts, getting into the end zone once. While the Chiefs made a run to the Super Bowl, Jones had just one postseason carry in the AFC Championship game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Dallas decided to sign Jones this offseason, with running back being a position of need. Ezekiel Elliott is no longer with the franchise, leaving Tony Pollard as the main man. However, Pollard is coming off an injury suffered in the playoffs against the San Francisco 49ers.
Once the suspension is over, Jones could have an opportunity to contribute in Mike McCarthy’s offense. Assuming health, Pollard is going to get the most touches throughout the course of the season. However, the door for Jones will be open beginning in Week 3 against Arizona.