Las Vegas Raiders

Oakland Raiders bench Taiwan Jones in preseason finale

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Oakland Raiders benched Taiwan Jones during their preseason finale against the Seattle Seahawks.

For years the Oakland Raiders valued Taiwan Jones as a versatile special teams talent. Attempting to mould the speedy former small school standout into a cornerback and running back. Jones always getting priority from the Raiders coaching staff throughout his career. The Raiders constantly trying to develop Jones into something more than a special teams player.

It appears that Jones’ time with the Raiders could be reaching an end, however. As head coach Jack Del Rio benched Jones for the preseason finale. Jones failing to step on the field in a game where the final spots on the 53-man roster were up for grabs.

Jones’ notable absence from the preseason finale has led to the speculation that he could be one of the final cuts before Week 1. A cut that would end the run of Jones in Oakland after five seasons for the former fourth round pick.

@NickHjeltness He’s not going to make the roster….

— Jason Leskiw (@LeskiwSFBay) September 2, 2016

Yup, he’s on the sideline supporting this teammates https://t.co/HvYWwtejMj

— Chris McClain (@ChrisMcClain) September 2, 2016

Jones was viewed as a lock going into training camp given his experience with the team. However it now appears that he has fallen out of favor. The new coaching staff likely souring on Jones after one season of limited returns at running back in 2015. Jones rushing for just 74 yards last season, a familiar theme for a player who could never quite develop into an offensive threat.

With Jones nearing the chopping block, rookie running backs DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard could be locks to make the Week 1 roster. After benching Jones, it appears clear that the Raiders are willing to get rid of the serviceable special teamer. Particularly because it will free up a needed roster spot. How that roster spot will be used is up for speculation right now, but it is a given that Jones is no longer in the Raiders plans going forward.