Running back Matt Jones hasn’t had much competition for the top running back job with the Redskins this offseason, but that might not allow him to get the start in Week One.
Jones suffered an AC joint sprain in his left shoulder in the first quarter of last Friday’s preseason game against the Jets and didn’t return to the game. On Monday, coach Jay Gruden said that Jones will not play in either of the team’s two remaining preseason contest.
As for the regular season, Gruden said, via CSNMidAtlantic.com, that he has “high hopes” that Jones will be recovered in time to take the field against the Steelers on September 12.
Undrafted rookie Rob Kelley has run 10 times for 48 yards in the preseason and Gruden indicated he’ll get a look with the first team along with seventh-round pick Keith Marshall with third-down back Chris Thompson also on hand. Should Jones’ outlook for the regular season grow dimmer, an addition to the group might be in the cards.