Two weeks ago on the *Around The NFL Podcast*, we wondered if Matt Jones would use a prime-time showcase against the New York Giants to formally throw his hat into the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year race.
It didn't work out that way. Jones had just 38 yards on 12 carries in a loss at the Meadowlands and a had a key fumble that bounced out of the back of the Giants' end zone. His role was significantly reduced against the Eagles in Week 4, with Jones getting just seven carries (including just one in the second half).
During his Wednesday news conference, coach Jay Gruden refuted the notion that Jones had lost his place in the backfield pecking order.
"He's never lost my trust," the coach said, via realredskins.com. "A couple of weeks ago it was Alfred (Morris) who was in my doghouse and he's not. It's just the way to works out with the handoffs and the carries. I like both of those guys."
Jones has provided flashes of dynamic play in his brief NFL career, but he'll remain in a timeshare as long as Alfred Morris is healthy. The Redskins have two above-average running backs -- there are worse problems to have.
