Brady on Jones: ‘I have a lot of confidence in him’

It’s been a tough week for Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones. The third-year back, who fractured his pinky finger against Minnesota last Sunday, had surgery on Tuesday to repair the finger.

On Wednesday, Jones was placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list. At this time, his status for Tampa Bay’s game against the Falcons is uncertain. 

Jones has played well for Tampa Bay this season. In 13 games, he has career-highs yards(900), yards per carry(5.0), and tied his career-high with six rushing touchdowns. At this point of the season, Jones has gained the confidence of Tom Brady. 

“I think, first of all, we’re all thinking about ‘Ro,'” Brady said about Jones on Thursday. “Obviously, a tough week for him when you have an injury, and then you have something that comes up with COVID. He’s been so reliable, dependable [and] consistent for us. Even in the offseason, his commitment to making improvements to his game, and I think everyone has a great deal of respect for ‘Ro’ and what he’s brought to the team. For a young player, he’s shown a lot of maturity – he’s very selfless. I love when he’s in the backfield with us, and I have a lot of confidence in him.”

Without Jones, Brady will have to depend on Leonard Fournette, LeSean McCoy, and Ke’Shawn Vaughn, which still gives Brady confidence.

I have a lot of confidence in the other backs,” Brady said. “Leonard [Fournette] has played a lot [and] done a lot of great things, ‘Shady’ (LeSean McCoy) has done a great job, Ke’Shawn [Vaughn] has done a great job when he’s been in there. We have a really talented backfield, and we just have to continue to find ways to use them all so they can all be productive.”

Brady is right. Tampa Bay has a lot of depth at the running back position, which should come in handy if Tampa Bay is without Jones on Sunday and beyond.