Jones suffered an Achilles injury that will require surgery, Cameron DaSilva of USA Today reports.
Analysis: Initially, the undrafted rookie was believed to be dealing with a left ankle issue in the wake of his late exit from the Rams' exhibition finale Saturday. The Rams opted to waive him with an injury designation Tuesday, and he reverted to IR on Wednesday, per the NFL's transaction log. Considering the nature of the injury, it's a good bet Jones won't play this season, which would mean the Rams are down three running backs heading into Week 1 (also Cam Akers and Raymond Calais). Currently, Darrell Henderson (thumb), Sony Michel and Jake Funk are the only RBs on L.A.'s active roster.
Sep 1, 2021 1:04 PM EST
Jones (ankle) was waived/injured by the Rams on Tuesday, Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.
Analysis: The Rams backfield has been beset by injuries this summer, with Cam Akers (Achills) and Raymond Calais (foot) already on IR and Jones set to join them, assuming he clears waivers. If he does, Jones will have a chance to return at some point this season once his left ankle is healthy. For the time being, however, Los Angeles will rely on Darrell Henderson (thumb), Sony Michel and Jake Funk at running back.
Aug 31, 2021 1:59 PM EST
Jones appeared to injure his left ankle near the end of Saturday's preseason loss at Denver, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: It's yet another injury to the Rams backfield. Previously, Cam Akers tore his Achilles in late July, Raymond Calais was forced to IR due to a mid-foot fracture, and presumed starter Darrell Henderson sprained his thumb at practice Monday. GM Les Snead brought in reinforcements this week, trading for Sony Michel from the Patriots. However, coach Sean McVay held both Michel and Jake Funk out Saturday, leaving the backfield to Jones and Otis Anderson. Prior to his exit, Jones, an undrafted rookie, accrued 44 yards on 13 carries and hauled in three of five targets for 20 yards.
Aug 28, 2021 9:14 PM EST
Jones has more competition for playing time after the Rams traded for Sony Michel on Wednesday, Kevin Modesti of the Orange County Register reports.
Analysis: The Rams waited more than a month to add a new backfield body after Cam Akers suffered an Achilles tear in August. Previously, Jones and Jake Funk seemed to be competing for the No. 2 spot behind Darrell Henderson, whose injury history was acknowledged by coach Sean McVay as a major concern. Michel's medical record is actually worse, and his performance in New England fell far short of expectations for a first-round pick (2018). All that's to say that Jones could still see snaps and touches at some point this season, even if he drops to third or fourth on the depth chart before Week 1. It's also possible Jones and/or Funk manage to stay ahead of Michel if he's slow to pick up the Rams offense or doesn't look good on the practice field.
Aug 25, 2021 8:38 AM EST
Coach Sean McVay said Jones and rookie Jake Funk have "done a really nice job" and are on track to be "part of our plans in the running back room," Stu Jackson of the Rams' official site reports.
Analysis: With Cam Akers (Achilles) out for the year, Jones and Funk are listed as co-No.2s on the Rams' initial preseason depth chart, behind only Darrell Henderson. McVay also mentioned Raymond Calais earlier this week, but Calais and undrafted rookie Otis Anderson are the type of undersized backs who may be pigeonholed as pass-catching/return specialists. At 208 pounds, Jones is closer to the NFL standard for running backs, if still a bit on the light side. After catching on with the Rams last year as an undrafted rookie who strictly played special teams (178 snaps), Jones can now earn a role on offense in 2021 while Akers is out of the picture. McVay expects Jones to "carve out a role," though the coach did add, "what that is, is to be determined."
Aug 11, 2021 11:57 AM EST
Jones has impressed head coach Sean McVay early in training camp, Stu Jackson of TheRams.com reports.
Analysis: While it's certainly encouraging that McVay is talking up Jones, the praise is probably best taken with a grain of salt. After all, the sophomore running back didn't play a single offensive snap or have a carry at the highest level as a rookie. In other words, what else is McVay going to say? The Los Angeles backfield is in a slight state of chaos following the injury to projected No. 1 rusher Cam Akers (knee), and it definitely wouldn't be surprising if the Rams brought in a veteran presence to add experience to the position ahead of the season or at some point thereafter. Obviously, there's currently a boost in fantasy value and upside attached to Jones, but a lot will still probably have to go in his favor to provide consistent fantasy production.
Aug 3, 2021 6:34 PM EST
Jones may be part of the Rams' plan to replace Cam Akers (Achilles) in the backfield, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Earlier this offseason, Rodrigue projected Jones as the team's No. 3 running back, behind only Akers and Darrell Henderson (undisclosed). The 2020 UDFA strictly played special teams (178 snaps) in 13 games last season, but he'll have a shot to earn snaps on offense after Akers suffered a season-ending injury before training camp. Jones had a pair of 1,000-yard rushing seasons at SMU, including 244 carries for 1,276 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2019. Apart from Henderson and Jones, the Rams' backfield options are limited to 2021 seventh-round pick Jake Funk, 2020 seventh-rounder Raymond Calais and rookie UDFA Otis Anderson. Even if the team adds help in the coming days/weeks, Jones will have a chance to earn the second or third spot on the depth chart.
Jul 20, 2021 8:39 AM EST
Jones is probably still third on the depth chart following the 2021 NFL Draft, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: The Rams selected running back Jake Funk in the seventh round of the draft, but he profiles more as a special-teams candidate to start the year. Jones is definitely behind Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson on the depth chart, but it is encouraging to Jones' fantasy stock that Los Angeles didn't prioritize the position during the draft. Still, the sophomore out of SMU isn't on the fantasy radar in most settings at this point.
May 4, 2021 3:43 PM EST
Jones played 177 special-teams snaps over 13 games during the 2020 regular season.
Analysis: It was a quiet rookie season for the undrafted free agent out of SMU. However, he could have an opportunity to climb the depth chart with veteran Malcolm Brown headed for free agency. Jones' fantasy value is probably limited as long as Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson (ankle) are healthy, and the Rams could also add a running back in the draft or free agency.
Jan 28, 2021 9:32 AM EST
Jones was included on the Rams' 53-man roster, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: The undrafted free agent out of SMU impressed during training camp and took advantage of the extra opportunities he received with Darrell Henderson (hamstring) sidelined with an injured. Still, Henderson is trending toward being ready for Week 1, and the Rams also have reliable veteran Malcom Brown and second-round pick Cam Akers ahead of Jones on the depth chart. As a result, Jones probably has a steep uphill climb to fantasy relevance in the early stages of the season.
Sep 6, 2020 8:43 AM EST
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