Chiefs veteran still needs to watch his back despite latest news
When the Kansas City Chiefs signed Ronald Jones II back in March, there were some conversations that centered around the thought he could take the starting job from former first-rounder Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Well, fast-forward a little more than five months later and that's nowhere even close to the current situation. Jones has steadily fallen down […]
When the Kansas City Chiefs signed Ronald Jones II back in March, there were some conversations that centered around the thought he could take the starting job from former first-rounder Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Well, fast-forward a little more than five months later and that's nowhere even close to the current situation. Jones has steadily fallen down the depth chart during his short time as a Chief and he's found himself as a possible cut candidate heading into Thursday night's matchup with the Green Bay Packers.
This is because CEH, Jerrick McKinnon, Isiah Pacheco, and Derrick Gore have all been running with the 1s and 2s, while Jones has been with the 3s for the majority of camp/preseason.
It doesn't take a genius to figure out an NFL team isn't going to carry five running backs on their roster. Unless you are the New England Patriots or unless one of the aforementioned running backs are placed on injured reserve.
As it turns out, that's exactly what happened Wednesday. The Chiefs placed Gore on IR with a broken thumb. He will miss the entire season, which opens up a spot in the running back room, right?
Well, not so fast. Yes, Gore's absence creates a hole, but there's another player who is already set to fill that hole.
And that player is fullback Michael Burton.
Burton has played well during camp and the preseason and he's currently set to make the Chiefs' final roster. He's been great in short yardage and he's shown ability to catch the ball. Overall, the Chiefs can him in 2022 on both offense and on special teams. Jones doesn't provide anything special teams-wise, which is a big disadvantage.
Burton's presence on the roster brings the Chiefs' "running back" total back to four, overall.
Which means Jones' "rebound" is nowhere close to guaranteed.
Jones has to have a big game against the Packers on Thursday night. Otherwise, he will be looking for a new employer come the final round of cuts on Tuesday.
Featured image via Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
