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RB Matt Jones arrives at Redskins Park for minicamp

By Ian Cummings

Jul 28, 2016; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones (31) walks onto the field prior to morning walkthrough on day one of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 28, 2016; Richmond, VA, USA; Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones (31) walks onto the field prior to morning walkthrough on day one of training camp at Bon Secours Washington Redskins Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s not mandatory for Matt Jones to enjoy it. But the former third-round pick will be at Redskins Park for mandatory minicamp this week.

Jay Gruden voiced his expectations of Matt Jones to appear at the Redskins’ mandatory minicamp recently, and Matt Jones has followed through on those expectations. Per NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, Jones will be at minicamp this week.

While Jones will be on the field with the rest of the squad, don’t expect him to be all smiles. There isn’t much to like about the situation he’s currently in with the team. His persistent fumbling problems and inconsistency have placed his chances of making the roster in limbo. Once the team’s unquestioned starter, Jones is now in dead last. He’s held out until now, and his relationship with the Redskins’ staff is chilly at best.

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Jones possesses an awe-inspiring combination of speed, size, and strength. But the Redskins likely won’t take a chance on him again. They were open to trading the troubled back earlier this offseason, and if no suitors emerge in this stage of the offseason, they may simply hasten the inevitable and cut Jones before preseason. He’s had his chances. The Redskins can’t wait on their running backs to bloom any longer.

Unfortunately for the Redskins, however, they may have no choice. Robert Kelley is currently the lead back, but there’s no guarantee he’ll be the X-Factor the Redskins need in the backfield. The stable behind him is just as unproven. Samaje Perine is an albeit promising rookie who has no in-game experience yet. Chris Thompson is the designated third-down back, and Mack Brown has shown flashes, but nothing more. Neither he nor Keith Marshall are likely to make the roster.

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It’ll be interesting to see how the running back position shakes out for the Redskins in 2017. Only one thing is for certain. No matter how hard Matt Jones works at minicamp, or how much progress he shows, his chances with the Redskins could be all dried up.

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