Cowboys potential Ezekiel Elliott backup plan goes up in flames

Ronald Jones II had the chance to be a backup option at running back for the Cowboys after cutting Ezekiel Elliott but a suspension has blown up that plan.

The Cowboys running back situation just got a little bit more complicated following the announcement of a two-game suspension for Ronald Jones II.

The former Bucs and Chiefs running back was brought in to help offset the loss of Ezekiel Elliott this offseason. Despite a limited role in Kansas City last season, it made sense to bring in the two-time Super Bowl winner. He’s been in championship locker rooms. He was productive with Tampa Bay. He’s about to turn 26 years old, making him young enough to still have something in the tank. And he came in on an affordable contract.

However, his chances of making the roster now feel slim with that suspension for violating the NFL’s PED policy.

Ronald Jones II suspension puts Cowboys backup running back spot up for grabs

Jones was to compete with Malik Davis, Rico Dowdle and sixth-round draft pick Deuce Vaughn for the backup running back spot behind Tony Pollard.

A resurgent season for Jones would have worked out beautifully for the Cowboys, more than justifying the move with Elliott and setting Dallas up with a solid second option.

Now, it looks far more likely that Pollard will be backed up by Davis, who had 161 yards and a touchdown on 38 carries last season. Dowdle didn’t have a carry last year and Vaughn has never seen an NFL snap.

Jones will be able to practice with the team and play in preseason games. So there is still a chance he will perform well enough to force the team’s hand and make the roster despite being slated to miss games against the Giants and Jets. It’s just tough to make that prediction considering the circumstances.