Cowboys' Ronald Jones Says He Didn't Take PEDs, Suspension Stemmed from Prescription

Dallas Cowboys running back Ronald Jones told reporters on Tuesday that his two-game suspension for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy wasn't due to steroid use.

"I just want to say it's something I've been prescribed over the course of my career," he said. "It wasn't any steroids. It wasn't anything to enhance my game. I just want to clear my name in terms of I'm not cheating the game of football."

Jones, 25, specified that it was a heart-condition medication he was first prescribed during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

He's seeking a backup role on the Cowboys behind starting running back Tony Pollard, battling with Rico Dowdle, Malik Davis and rookie Deuce Vaughn for snaps.

"I tell you, I'm loving Rico," head coach Mike McCarthy told reporters on Monday. "It's great to have him back. Malik, he's taken that jump that you're looking for. Those two guys have really jumped out. Obviously, we've got to get Deuce involved. I think that's important... He's a guy that was on my mind during the summer."

Jones is still eligible to participate in training camp, practices and preseason games. And the Cowboys, who signed him to a one-year, $1.2 million deal in free agency, would only eat about $302,500 in dead cap if they eventually choose to release him.

As for whether the team might consider re-signing Ezekiel Elliott this summer—after releasing him in a cost-cutting move—in response to Jones' suspension, McCarthy didn't open that door.

"We're not just going to hit a bump and give up on the path," he told reporters. "We want to see these young guys. We want to see them play in games."

Team owner Jerry Jones seemed more open to the possibility, however:

Since posting a career year in 2020 (1,143 yards from scrimmage, eight total touchdowns), Jones hasn't made much of an impact. He fell behind Leonard Fournette on the depth chart in Tampa Bay during the 2021 season and was a non-factor for the Kansas City Chiefs in his lone season with the team in 2022.

For Dallas, Jones was ostensibly signed to serve as a between-the-tackles option behind Pollard, who will be the feature back after years of splitting time with Elliott.