Running back Matt Jones, who last played in the XFL, remains set for a return to the NFL.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Thursday morning that the former Washington and Indianapolis running back has had contact with teams and may find his way onto a list as COVID-19 cases or unsubscribes grow were accumulating.
Drafted in the third round of the 2015 Florida Draft by Washington, Jones had a strong rookie campaign with Alfred Morris. The deadly runner who possessed the speed to the edge compiled 490 yards on 144 carries with three touchdowns, adding 19 catches for 304 yards and another touchdown. In 2016, with Morris leaving, Jones looked to take the lead, starting seven games and averaging 4.6 yards per carry on 99 sacks for 460 yards and 3 rushing scores. A week 7 knee injury, however, threw the season shifted, and he was passed on the depth chart by Robert Kelley.
Jones was eliminated by Washington before the 2017 season and landed at Indy, where he spent part of the season on the practice squad. He only carried five times for 14 yards with the Colts.
The RB signed from Philadelphia in 2018, but didn’t make the final roster and were out of the league.
Jones experienced a half-renaissance in the XFL this spring. As a member of the St. Louis BattleHawks, the 27-year-old had 314 rushing yards on 80 yards with one score and added a 25-yard reception to TD. He was named to the All-XFL midseason squad before the league shut down amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
