OXNARD, Calif. — Dallas Cowboys proprietor Jerry Jones reiterated Tuesday throughout an look on 105.3 The Fan that the door has not closed on the return of Ezekiel Elliott; nevertheless, coach Mike McCarthy mentioned the workforce’s focus is on the younger working backs, even with the suspension of Ronald Jones.
“We’re not simply going to hit a bump and quit on the trail,” McCarthy mentioned. “We wish to see these younger guys. I wish to see them play in video games.”
Behind Tony Pollard, who had 1,007 yards and 12 whole touchdowns final season, the Cowboys have Jones, Malik Davis, Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn. Jones had simply 17 carries final yr with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and has not been an every-down again since 2020. Davis had 38 carries for 161 yards and a landing with the Cowboys, whereas Dowdle has not had a carry in two years due to accidents. Vaughn is a sixth-round decide.
The NFL suspended Jones for 2 video games for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug coverage. On Tuesday, Jones mentioned the failed take a look at was for a coronary heart medication that has been prescribed since he entered the league. Whereas saying he’s liable for what he places in his physique, he’s dissatisfied within the NFL’s choice.
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“We tried to enchantment. I requested for a re-test, pattern my blood, my well being considerations they usually did not actually have a look at it,” Jones mentioned. “I believe there must be extra safety for the gamers as a result of when you have well being points, we’re a human being exterior of soccer and we’ve got real-life points, too. My household suffers from coronary heart illness.”
He added, “I simply wish to clear my title by way of I am not dishonest the sport of soccer. It is actually a prescription medication.”
Jones can observe with the workforce via coaching camp and play within the preseason video games earlier than his suspension takes impact previous to Week 1. He can be eligible to return to the workforce Sept. 18.
“We clearly had been conscious of the scenario,” McCarthy mentioned. “We help him and we’ll work via this. However so far as how the workforce goes to shake out, I imply, we’ve got loads of work to do. However we clearly perceive the foundations that go together with a suspension.”
In March, the Cowboys launched Elliott, the franchise’s third-leading rusher, with him set to depend $16.7 million in opposition to the cap. He nonetheless counts $5.8 million in opposition to the cap, and the Cowboys have his substitute, Pollard, counting $10.091 million in opposition to the cap on the franchise tag.
Pollard is coming off high-ankle surgical procedure in January however has been obtainable for each observe because the Cowboys’ arrival in Oxnard, California, final week.
All through the offseason, Jones has talked about the potential for having Elliott, who lately visited with the New England Patriots, return to the Cowboys.
“When you might have relationships which can be lengthy and been mutually helpful, there is a private element,” McCarthy mentioned. “Personally, it wasn’t straightforward for anyone however once you make a dedication to younger gamers as a result of it is the massive image, the general roster and growth and the way that room goes to look. It is nice to have two No. 1 working backs in your room. I believe we clearly benefitted, notably in ’21 and ’22 as a result of I felt like we used these guys. I believe our run makes an attempt and ball distribution mirrored that, however that is concerning the larger image and it goes properly past simply the working again room.
“It is the way you match it collectively. There is a monetary projection that is concerned in these selections. That is the roster that we have put collectively, and my job is to ensure I develop it always and get skilled right here to go win video games.”
