There's no escaping it in any shape, but Washington Redskins running back Matt Jones is done, so the team should be done as well.
Matt Jones has been done for a while. According to Washington Post reporter Mike Jones, he's well informed of his status with the Washington Redskins:
"A person familiar with Jones's situation said the third-year pro has opted against reporting to Redskins Park because members of the coaching staff told him he's no longer a part of the team's plans following the ascension of Rob Kelley and the addition of Samaje Perine through the draft."
Their expectation for him to show up for voluntary Organized Team Activities (OTAs) is still there, according to head coach Jay Gruden. He added that he's "eating up a spot." While not the best choice of words, he's right. On the other hand, Jones knows he's not part of the plan, so why bother?
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Last season, Jones rushed for 460 yards and had three touchdowns, but fumbled three times. In 2015 he fumbled four times. His ball handling became such an issue it was monitored electronically to see just how much pressure he was applying for ball control.
In his defense, he did try to rectify the problem, changing holds and looking at how other running backs were carrying the football. It wasn't enough, thus being the reason other running backs like Kelley and newcomer Perine rose to the forefront.
Jones had his moment. His ascension to becoming starting running back was a flash of excitement. He arose from the shadows of former Redskins running back Alfred Morris. The transition was quick, quiet, and now proven to be premature.
The Redskins would be wise to let him go. If not, then put together a deal that benefits everyone. There's no reason to have Matt Jones around if he's not going to be used.
