Rookie running back Ronald Jones is healthy again after a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury. Yet will Bucs fans get to see him on the field much for the remainder of the 2018 season? Probably not.
Peyton Barber has been running the ball well lately, and you have to keep in mind that he is only 24 years old and is still developing himself as a workhorse running back. He has earned his touches with decent performances when given the chance. He has rushed for 543 yards on 135 totes and two scores. Additionally, he recently added 11 receptions for 55 yards and another touchdown.
Jones, needless to say, had a horrible preseason and did not fare much better when given touches in the regular season. While it would be interesting to see what the 21-year-old speedster can do on the field, he simply does not seem ready for the big stage and has been outplayed by Barber. Jones has rushed for a total of only 42 yards on 19 carries, one of them for a touchdown, and added six receptions for 34 yards. This is not enough for a running back drafted as the 38th selection overall.
As of now, it seems that Jones will not play a major role in the remainder of the 2018 season. He might get a few more snaps than he usually would as soon as the Bucs are eliminated from the playoffs for sure.
The former USC product will have to move on from a very forgettable rookie season and focus on next year, most likely under a new head coach. Hopefully, Ronald Jones can turn his career upside down in 2019.
