The Chiefs aren’t interested in losing their backfield insurance policy
Lost in the trade news this week was a report that the Kansas City Chiefs are holding on to running back Ronald Jones, who apparently is a playoff insurance policy.
Jones, who hasn’t played a down this season, appeared to ask for a release from the team via Twitter last week.
On Tuesday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler tweeted that the team won’t let him go.
Kansas City’s top three running backs have shined and seem capable of carrying the team into the postseason.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Jerick McKinnon and Isiah Pacheco average more than four yards a carry. Edwards-Helaire and McKinnon rank fifth and sixth on the team in receptions. Pacheco, meanwhile, got the start in the Chiefs’ latest game, a 44-23 win against the San Francisco 49ers.
Over the past four seasons, the team has needed a rusher from low on the depth chart for games in December and beyond. In 2018 and 2019, the Chiefs turned to Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware when the top options dealt with injuries.
In 2020, Darrel Williams played in all 16 games but wasn’t used much until the playoffs. Come the postseason, Williams started the Chiefs divisional round game against the Cleveland Browns, rushing for 78 yards. He also had 13 rushes for 52 yards in the Chiefs’ win over the Bills in the AFC title game.
Last year, McKinnon stepped in late. He had five rushing attempts and three receptions in the final game of the regular season. Then he started three playoff games, rushing for 150 yards. He was fresh.
Jones, who has 55 games on his NFL resume, may not like it, but he apparently is just an expensive insurance policy.