Head coach Jay Gruden said the team won't give up on Jones as a result of his fumbling issues, The Washington Post's Mike Jones reports.
Jones put a lot of work into solving his ball-security issues during the offseason, but he's now fumbled three times in the past five games. He also hasn't offered much as a receiver -- catching just eight passes all season -- and even his running performance has been wildly inconsistent from week to week. Despite his coach's comments suggesting the starting running back will retain his role, Jones is clearly in at least some danger of falling out of favor. Passing-down back Chris Thompson has been surprisingly effective in the running game to the tune of 5.1 yards per carry, including 12 totes for 73 yards in Sunday's 20-17 loss to Detroit. Considering the Redskins already operate a pass-oriented offense, it would make sense to lean on the quick, sure-handed Thompson over the more powerful Jones in most situations. It remains to be seen what the team will actually do, starting with Sunday's game in London against the Bengals.