When the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected running back Ronald Jones early in the second round of April’s NFL Draft, they were expecting immediate production from the uber-talented ball carrier.
Unfortunately, that’s not going to come to fruition. After struggling big time during the preseason slate, Jones will be inactive for Tampa Bay’s regular season opener against the New Orleans Saints Sunday afternoon.
Bucs No. 38 overall pick RB Ronald Jones is a healthy scratch today.
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) September 9, 2018
More than his struggles running the ball, this is a clear indication Tampa Bay has no faith in the USC product in terms of both pass protection and catching the ball out of the backfield.
Jones tallied just 22 yards on 28 attempts during the preseason. It was one of the worst performances we’ve seen from a high-round pick at the running back position in some time.
Instead of giving Jones some work Sunday, the Buccaneers will be relying on a combination of Peyton Barber and Jacquizz Rodgers against an elite Saints defense.