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Matt Jones not at OTAs, future with Redskins in doubt

By Jacob Camenker

Oct 16, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones (31) carries the ball for a touchdown as Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Stephen Tulloch (50) chases in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones (31) carries the ball for a touchdown as Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Stephen Tulloch (50) chases in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Matt Jones is not going to be at the Washington Redskins OTAs in 2017. This could be the end of his time with the team.

Coming into 2016, Matt Jones was expected to take the next step for the Washington Redskins. After the departure of Alfred Morris, Jones was handed the lead back job, and many thought that the third round rookie would emerge as the top option for the team. Instead, the 2016 season did not go as planned.

Related Story: Washington Redskins OTAs begin

While Jones improved his yards per carry greatly and looked to be improving with his running style, there were still major concerns about his ball security. Jones put the ball on the ground three times in just 99 carries. This was after having five fumbles in the previous season. As a result, head coach Jay Gruden handed the reigns to undrafted rookie Rob Kelley and receiving back Chris Thompson. Jones became an outsider at a position that was once thought to be his for the taking.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Jones is not going to be with the team during OTAs this offseason. He took to Twitter to say the following.

It should not be a surprise that Jones is no longer a part of the Redskins plans. After all, as Rapoport said he was a healthy scratch for most of last year. Once he lost the starting job, Jones was relegated to the inactives list because he lacks the ability to play special teams. Mack Brown, a player who started the year on the practice squad, saw opportunities instead.

And now, with the addition of Samaje Perine to the backfield, Jones’ opportunities would have been even more limited. Perine and Kelley figure to handle the early down work while Thompson will come into for a few carries and third down work. That leaves nothing for Jones. Also, the team tried to trade him during the 2017 NFL Draft, but apparently there were no offers on the table.

Next: 5 dark horse candidates to make Redskins roster

At the end of the day, a change of scenery makes most sense for Jones. He had upside, but he has lost the faith of the Washington coaching staff. Perhaps a move to a running back needy team like the Green Bay Packers or the Seattle Seahawks could pay dividends. Both teams could use a veteran option with upside like Jones, and  he could battle for the No. 2 role in both locations.

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