OXNARD, CA — After the news broke that the NFL was suspending Cowboys running back Ronald Jones for failing a PED (performance-enhancing drugs) test, rumors are once again making the rounds of a possible return of beloved running back Ezekiel Eliott. However, Ronald Jones cried foul. On Tuesday, August 1, Jones said he failed the test due to a heart medication he had been prescribed and taking since he entered the league. While admitting he is responsible for what he puts in his body, he is not a fan of the NFL’s decision to suspend him.
“We tried to appeal. I asked for a re-test, sample my blood, my health concerns, and they didn't really look at it," Jones said. "I think there needs to be more protection for the players because if you have health issues, we're human beings outside of football, and we have real-life issues, too. My family suffers from heart disease."
"I just want to clear my name in terms of I'm not cheating the game of football. It's literally a prescription medicine," Jones concluded.
The NFL suspended Ronald Jones two games on Tuesday, August 1.
(Credit: dallascowboys.com)
Jerry Jones recently appeared in an interview with the radio station 103.5 The Fan (a popular station in the Dallas/Fort Worth area) and reiterated that the door has not closed on resigning Elliott. Mike McCarthy had other things to say on the matter.
"We're not just going to hit a bump and give up on the path," McCarthy said. "We want to see these young guys. I want to see them play in games."
So the Cowboys’ focus is on the young guys. Understandable, to say the least, after Zeke signed an incredibly lucrative contract that never panned out after injuries caused his production to plummet over the past few seasons. Elliott finished last season with a career-worst 3.8 yards per carry.
Ezekiel Elliott
(Credit: nfl.com)
But what are the benefits of riding with Elliot on a veteran’s minimum contract? He certainly still has a nose for the end zone. Elliot scored 12 touchdowns a year ago, most inside the 10-yard line, in a feat that the Cowboys’ current number one, Tony Pollard, would struggle to match due to his build. Ezekiel Elliott can still play. He might not have the same explosiveness that gave him the rushing title in years past, but he would make a great addition to the Cowboys’ goal-to-go offense. Elliot also remains one of the premiere pass blocking running backs in the NFL.
Regardless of what Jerry Jones decides to do, the Cowboys have options at the running back position headed into 2023. Behind Tony Pollard, who had 1,007 yards and 12 total touchdowns last season, the Cowboys have Jones, Malik Davis, Rico Dowdle, and Deuce Vaughn. It is still too early to tell who will make the final 53-man roster, but there is still a place for Zeke in the NFL.
Subscribe to the LIVE! Daily
Required
Post a comment to this article here: