Cowboys' young running backs cost veteran player his job

The Dallas Cowboys have released running back Ronald Jones, reported ESPN's Todd Archer. The news comes right as his two-game suspension comes to an end. The Cowboys signed Jones for depth earlier in the offseason and he was expected to compete for a role in the post-Ezekiel Elliott era. Jones' suspension for violating the league's […]

Mauricio Rodriguez — Dallas Cowboys News Writer

Sep 18, 2023 4:15 PM EDT

Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn (42) reacts after making a first down in the second quarter against the New York Jets at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Cowboys have released running back Ronald Jones, reported ESPN's Todd Archer. The news comes right as his two-game suspension comes to an end.

The Cowboys signed Jones for depth earlier in the offseason and he was expected to compete for a role in the post-Ezekiel Elliott era. Jones' suspension for violating the league's PED policy was only one of the reasons behind his release.

After all, the Cowboys built a promising group of young running backs led by featured back Tony Pollard. Behind him, Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, and fullback Hunter Luepke have all delivered strong play.

In just Week 2 of the season, it's clear the Cowboys have a running back committee in the making. Consider Sunday's snap count during the team's win over the New York Jets:

Pollard, 56
Luepke, 18
Dowdle, 18
Vaughn, 13

Luepke and Dowdle have also contributed significantly on special teams, something Ronald Jones hasn't done much of during his career. The Cowboys, if we're being brutally honest here, don't have room for Jones on the team. Their current running back isn't just younger but it is better.