Kevin Jones (1 Viewer)

[gianmarco]

Not trying to thread-hijack, but since we're talking about rounds 7-9...is the general opinion that Bell/Joes are as valuable as Michael Turner? Even to an LT owner?

I just don't know if Martz would stick with just one or use both if healthy, and I don't know if Jones will ever be really healthy, and Detroit is a crappy team with a lot of WR talent...and those are a lot of variables. But again, this is the 7-9 area of the draft. Lots of question marks.

Just look what Martz was able to do with Faulk even on a passy happy team. Of course, Faulk is Faulk, but KJ showed last year that he could put up some great points. And Tatum Bell fits better into that offense. Whichever guy gets that gig could put up a lot of points. The question is getting the right guy with KJ's injury. Which is why if you've had a nice draft and can get both of these, the final product could be the equivalent of a 2nd or 3rd round pick, I think.

How is a RB who is awful in the receiving game a better fit for a Martz offense?

Because in Denver he was a horrible fit. He likes to dance too much and take everything to the outside and that goes against everything Denver likes to do. So while he may not be the best pass-catching RB, he also wasn't used that way much in Denver as they don't throw to their RB's as much as other teams. If I had to pick between Denver and Detroit for a RB like Bell, it would be Detroit hands down. Thus my statement that he fits better in that offense.

 

[SSOG]

Not trying to thread-hijack, but since we're talking about rounds 7-9...is the general opinion that Bell/Joes are as valuable as Michael Turner? Even to an LT owner?

I just don't know if Martz would stick with just one or use both if healthy, and I don't know if Jones will ever be really healthy, and Detroit is a crappy team with a lot of WR talent...and those are a lot of variables. But again, this is the 7-9 area of the draft. Lots of question marks.

KJ was a stud before he went down to injury. I would rather have a stud with health questions than a backup RB who'll never see consistent action, no matter how talented that backup may or may not be.

I think taking Bell before Jones is just crazy unless someone knows for a fact Jones will be out for a long time...and right now, that is not known.

Absolutely. Bell before Jones =

Not trying to thread-hijack, but since we're talking about rounds 7-9...is the general opinion that Bell/Joes are as valuable as Michael Turner? Even to an LT owner?

I just don't know if Martz would stick with just one or use both if healthy, and I don't know if Jones will ever be really healthy, and Detroit is a crappy team with a lot of WR talent...and those are a lot of variables. But again, this is the 7-9 area of the draft. Lots of question marks.

Just look what Martz was able to do with Faulk even on a passy happy team. Of course, Faulk is Faulk, but KJ showed last year that he could put up some great points. And Tatum Bell fits better into that offense. Whichever guy gets that gig could put up a lot of points. The question is getting the right guy with KJ's injury. Which is why if you've had a nice draft and can get both of these, the final product could be the equivalent of a 2nd or 3rd round pick, I think.

How is a RB who is awful in the receiving game a better fit for a Martz offense?

Because in Denver he was a horrible fit. He likes to dance too much and take everything to the outside and that goes against everything Denver likes to do. So while he may not be the best pass-catching RB, he also wasn't used that way much in Denver as they don't throw to their RB's as much as other teams. If I had to pick between Denver and Detroit for a RB like Bell, it would be Detroit hands down. Thus my statement that he fits better in that offense.

It wasn't that Tatum Bell wasn't used much in the passing game, it's that Tatum Bell was GARBAGE in the passing game. TBell averaged 3.7 yards per target. Yikes. According to Football Outsiders, there wasn't a single RB in the entire NFL who was worse on a per-play basis when it came to catching the ball. In addition, TBell has poor tackle-breaking skills, meaning he's not exactly ideally suited to running behind a weak line where he's going to get hit in the backfield a lot.I agree that TBell was a poor fit in Denver, but he's just as poor of a fit in Detroit IMO.

 

[gianmarco]

It wasn't that Tatum Bell wasn't used much in the passing game, it's that Tatum Bell was GARBAGE in the passing game. TBell averaged 3.7 yards per target. Yikes. According to Football Outsiders, there wasn't a single RB in the entire NFL who was worse on a per-play basis when it came to catching the ball. In addition, TBell has poor tackle-breaking skills, meaning he's not exactly ideally suited to running behind a weak line where he's going to get hit in the backfield a lot.I agree that TBell was a poor fit in Denver, but he's just as poor of a fit in Detroit IMO.

Yeah, I know, you're right. I did say "better" though, not necessarily "good" The thing that I find funny is how people kept pimping him for 3 yrs in a row as "The Man" in Denver when the guy had 3 yrs to win the job and still couldn't. And people still wanted him last year.

 

[SSOG]

It wasn't that Tatum Bell wasn't used much in the passing game, it's that Tatum Bell was GARBAGE in the passing game. TBell averaged 3.7 yards per target. Yikes. According to Football Outsiders, there wasn't a single RB in the entire NFL who was worse on a per-play basis when it came to catching the ball. In addition, TBell has poor tackle-breaking skills, meaning he's not exactly ideally suited to running behind a weak line where he's going to get hit in the backfield a lot.I agree that TBell was a poor fit in Denver, but he's just as poor of a fit in Detroit IMO.

Yeah, I know, you're right. I did say "better" though, not necessarily "good" The thing that I find funny is how people kept pimping him for 3 yrs in a row as "The Man" in Denver when the guy had 3 yrs to win the job and still couldn't. And people still wanted him last year.

I was one of the people who was perpetually down on TBell in Denver, but I like him as a nice cheap high-upside player in Dynasty. Even if things don't work out this year, he is a free agent and he has 5+ career yards per carry. He'll get another chance somewhere, and if he ever goes to a system that he *DOES* fit in, he's got the potential for huge production.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

It wasn't that Tatum Bell wasn't used much in the passing game, it's that Tatum Bell was GARBAGE in the passing game. TBell averaged 3.7 yards per target. Yikes. According to Football Outsiders, there wasn't a single RB in the entire NFL who was worse on a per-play basis when it came to catching the ball. In addition, TBell has poor tackle-breaking skills, meaning he's not exactly ideally suited to running behind a weak line where he's going to get hit in the backfield a lot.I agree that TBell was a poor fit in Denver, but he's just as poor of a fit in Detroit IMO.

Yeah, I know, you're right. I did say "better" though, not necessarily "good" The thing that I find funny is how people kept pimping him for 3 yrs in a row as "The Man" in Denver when the guy had 3 yrs to win the job and still couldn't. And people still wanted him last year.

I was one of the people who was perpetually down on TBell in Denver, but I like him as a nice cheap high-upside player in Dynasty. Even if things don't work out this year, he is a free agent and he has 5+ career yards per carry. He'll get another chance somewhere, and if he ever goes to a system that he *DOES* fit in, he's got the potential for huge production.

If the Lions system doesn't fit his style of play, he's in trouble when he becomes a free agent. He'll get his shot in an offense that will score a lot of points.

 

[TDavi118]

Not trying to thread-hijack, but since we're talking about rounds 7-9...is the general opinion that Bell/Joes are as valuable as Michael Turner? Even to an LT owner?

I just don't know if Martz would stick with just one or use both if healthy, and I don't know if Jones will ever be really healthy, and Detroit is a crappy team with a lot of WR talent...and those are a lot of variables. But again, this is the 7-9 area of the draft. Lots of question marks.

KJ was a stud before he went down to injury. I would rather have a stud with health questions than a backup RB who'll never see consistent action, no matter how talented that backup may or may not be.

I think taking Bell before Jones is just crazy unless someone knows for a fact Jones will be out for a long time...and right now, that is not known.

Absolutely. Bell before Jones =

Not trying to thread-hijack, but since we're talking about rounds 7-9...is the general opinion that Bell/Joes are as valuable as Michael Turner? Even to an LT owner?

I just don't know if Martz would stick with just one or use both if healthy, and I don't know if Jones will ever be really healthy, and Detroit is a crappy team with a lot of WR talent...and those are a lot of variables. But again, this is the 7-9 area of the draft. Lots of question marks.

Just look what Martz was able to do with Faulk even on a passy happy team. Of course, Faulk is Faulk, but KJ showed last year that he could put up some great points. And Tatum Bell fits better into that offense. Whichever guy gets that gig could put up a lot of points. The question is getting the right guy with KJ's injury. Which is why if you've had a nice draft and can get both of these, the final product could be the equivalent of a 2nd or 3rd round pick, I think.

How is a RB who is awful in the receiving game a better fit for a Martz offense?

Because in Denver he was a horrible fit. He likes to dance too much and take everything to the outside and that goes against everything Denver likes to do. So while he may not be the best pass-catching RB, he also wasn't used that way much in Denver as they don't throw to their RB's as much as other teams. If I had to pick between Denver and Detroit for a RB like Bell, it would be Detroit hands down. Thus my statement that he fits better in that offense.

It wasn't that Tatum Bell wasn't used much in the passing game, it's that Tatum Bell was GARBAGE in the passing game. TBell averaged 3.7 yards per target. Yikes. According to Football Outsiders, there wasn't a single RB in the entire NFL who was worse on a per-play basis when it came to catching the ball. In addition, TBell has poor tackle-breaking skills, meaning he's not exactly ideally suited to running behind a weak line where he's going to get hit in the backfield a lot.I agree that TBell was a poor fit in Denver, but he's just as poor of a fit in Detroit IMO.

Do you still stand by these statements, SSOG? Also,... Why haven't you posted in the "Beware of Kevin Jones this season" thread? Just curious.

 

[Post Corner]

Jones is a massive injury risk. That joker gets hurt just getting out of bed each morning. No way he makes it through the season. His foot is already bothering him -- damaged goods.

I would take Bell in a heart beat over Jones.

 

[Righetti]

Jones is a massive injury risk. That joker gets hurt just getting out of bed each morning. No way he makes it through the season. His foot is already bothering him -- damaged goods.I would take Bell in a heart beat over Jones.

 

[SSOG]

Do you still stand by these statements, SSOG? Also,... Why haven't you posted in the "Beware of Kevin Jones this season" thread? Just curious.

Has anything changed that I might not be aware of that would cause me to reevaluate those statements? If not, then yes, I still stand by them, and will until something changes. I haven't posted in the "Beware of Kevin Jones" thread because I've posted everything I have to say on the matter here, and don't feel strongly enough about this matter to bother repeating myself.

 

[fsufan]

got this email from CBS

Lions offensive coordinator Mike Martz said Wednesday that while he expects to see RB Kevin Jones ready for the start of the 2007 season, he will not be given the starting job. Jones is recovering from a Lisfranc foot injury suffered late in 2006 and is on the PUP list. "Oh, no. He has to comeback and compete for his job like anybody else," Martz said of Jones. "Nobody has a stake on anything. It's like everywhere else. You've got to come back and get back in football shape and compete with the rest of the backs for that spot."Martz added that Jones is a good fit for his offense becausehe's a strong runner inside, a fast runner outside and has excellent hands for receiving. But if he's not going to start right away, he's not worth drafting as anything more than a middle- to late-round wait-and-see type. Furthermore,expectations should be held in check until he's taken off the PUP list. Tatum Bell remains Detroit's starter at RB.

 

[AB in DC]

Exactly -- even if Kevin Jones is healthy enough to play, he still won't be 100%. And I still think that Tatum Bell at 100% is better than Kevin Jones at 75%.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I herd the interview on AM 1130 - stoney and wojo show.

Sounded like pure speculation to me.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

I herd the interview on AM 1130 - stoney and wojo show.Sounded like pure speculation to me.

He said it was a gut feeling, so in reality, it kind of is.

 

[beavers]

 

[az_prof]

I herd the interview on AM 1130 - stoney and wojo show.Sounded like pure speculation to me.

He said it was a gut feeling, so in reality, it kind of is.

Has ANY news about KJ this year NOT been speculation? Why is it believable when some reporter cites an unnamed source that Jones will be on regular season PUP, but when Martz goes on record saying that he thinks Jones will be ready for week 1 it is just 'speculation?

 

[Rev]

I herd the interview on AM 1130 - stoney and wojo show.Sounded like pure speculation to me.

He said it was a gut feeling, so in reality, it kind of is.

Has ANY news about KJ this year NOT been speculation? Why is it believable when some reporter cites an unnamed source that Jones will be on regular season PUP, but when Martz goes on record saying that he thinks Jones will be ready for week 1 it is just 'speculation?

Exactly. Positive official news about KJ is so easily cast aside, while news in which he's talked about as a candidate for the PUP seen as a prophetic fact.I'm eager to see how this plays out and won be surprised by either outcome, but you can't just ignore positive news about KJ if you want to honestly assess his current value.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

I herd the interview on AM 1130 - stoney and wojo show.Sounded like pure speculation to me.

He said it was a gut feeling, so in reality, it kind of is.

Has ANY news about KJ this year NOT been speculation? Why is it believable when some reporter cites an unnamed source that Jones will be on regular season PUP, but when Martz goes on record saying that he thinks Jones will be ready for week 1 it is just 'speculation?

Exactly. Positive official news about KJ is so easily cast aside, while news in which he's talked about as a candidate for the PUP seen as a prophetic fact.I'm eager to see how this plays out and won be surprised by either outcome, but you can't just ignore positive news about KJ if you want to honestly assess his current value.

i listened to the interview livemartz didnt sound confident in having Jones at all for week 1 IMO. Lots of I think, and I hope and tatum can fill in fine thrown aroundJust telling you my opinion on it.

 

[Rev]

i listened to the interview livemartz didnt sound confident in having Jones at all for week 1 IMO. Lots of I think, and I hope and tatum can fill in fine thrown aroundJust telling you my opinion on it.

Thanks sniffer. Good to know. Just thinking out loud: It could be that Jones is PUP bound, and that Martz is simply trying to sound optimistic... though I'm not sure why he would paint a rosy picture if he hadn't seen some sign that Jones could be ready for week 1.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

i listened to the interview livemartz didnt sound confident in having Jones at all for week 1 IMO. Lots of I think, and I hope and tatum can fill in fine thrown aroundJust telling you my opinion on it.

Thanks sniffer. Good to know. Just thinking out loud: It could be that Jones is PUP bound, and that Martz is simply trying to sound optimistic... though I'm not sure why he would paint a rosy picture if he hadn't seen some sign that Jones could be ready for week 1.

Martz sounded really confident to me. That really doesn't mean he won't be on PUP. I think this is telling....maybe not as much about PUP, but that KJ will be fully recovered at some point this year, such as week 7 at the latest.

 

[Sweetness_34]

KJ is going to be the "win your draft pick" in PPR leagues this year....get him in the 6th or 7th rounds and you will get great value.

He was a beast last year in PPR leagues, and Martz knows that. Tinker Bell will do what Ron Dayne has done for years.....some people love to get theiur heart broken every year by players like him and Dayne

 

[whodeywhodey]

He was a beast last year in PPR leagues, and Martz knows that.

Really? Since when did Martz start playing in PPR leagues? Who did he take in the first round? Did he get LT?

 

[Anthony Borbely]

He was a beast last year in PPR leagues, and Martz knows that.

Really? Since when did Martz start playing in PPR leagues? Who did he take in the first round? Did he get LT?

I think he meant that KJ is a great receiver out of the backfield.

 

[The Man Who Met Andy Griffith]

I'm a big KJ fan in dynasty (although my enthusiasm has waned).

But I just don't see how one can be very excited about him in redraft. Yes, they wouldn't have gotten Bell had KJ not been injured. But now that they have Bell, I just don't see how Kevin can avoid an RBBC situation this year.

Bell isn't a world-beater, but he is quite adequate. SSOG has made that case quite well; I'm not going to bother expanding on it. RB's that talented just don't sit on the bench very often. I can't think of any RB as good as Bell who hasn't been able to at least carve out an RBBC role, with the exception of those playing behind obvious superstuds like Tomlinson.

If you're Mike Martz, why on earth would you give KJ 25 touches and TB 5 touches instead of giving them both around 15, with maybe a slight edge to KJ.

15 touches just doesn't allow for a whole lot of upside, IMO.

I'd also note that *if* there is an RBBC, and *if* the Lions have a good (playoff-good) season, you have to think that they would resign Bell, which would be scary for KJ's long-term dynasty value.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

If you're Mike Martz, why on earth would you give KJ 25 touches and TB 5 touches instead of giving them both around 15, with maybe a slight edge to KJ.

Because KJ is a better all around RB than Bell.

 

[Righetti]

ALLEN PARK -- Mike Martz sees things that aren't visible to most offensive coordinators. He also has a vision for Kevin Jones that is contrary to most projections.

Martz expects the injured tailback to be ready for Detroit's opener Sept. 9 at Oakland.

That is at least six weeks ahead of most projections -- they varied from the start of the season, to midseason, to missing all of 2007.

"I think we're all optimistic about that," Martz said Wednesday. "I think Kevin is, too. He's making good progress, and we're all anxious to have him back."

Jones, who suffered a Lisfranc fracture (it involves a cluster of bones and connective tissue on the top of his left foot) Dec. 10, was put on the physically-unable-to-perform list before the start of camp. Under NFL rules, Jones can work out and do individual drills during camp, but cannot practice with the team.

Jones can be put on the active roster at any time before the start of the regular season. If he is still on the PUP list when the season starts, he must remain off the active roster the first six weeks.

"We're still 'wait and see,' " president Matt Millen said of Jones' status.

With Jones out, Tatum Bell is the starter, and T.J. Duckett, Aveion Cason and Brian Calhoun are competing for time in various reserve roles.

Cason has speed and return ability, but has never been more than a part-time player. Duckett was a short-yard scoring specialist his first four seasons. And Calhoun, a third-round draft pick in 2006, has received scant playing time.

When healthy, Jones has been the starter in three seasons with the Lions -- 1,133 yards in 2004, but only 1,353 yards combined in '05 and '06.

But Jones blossomed as a receiver in Martz's offense last season, catching 61 passes and averaging 8.5 yards a catch.

"He really has good hands," Martz said of Jones. "I think he understands what to do as a back out of the backfield on pass routes. He's a different back. Not only does he have speed, but he is a very powerful back, too. He's very strong. He runs through tackles."

Martz, however, did not guarantee Jones will start immediately.

"He has to come back and compete for his job like everybody else," Martz said.

 

[TDavi118]

Any homers have any up to date news on KJ?

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Any homers have any up to date news on KJ?

Nothing new to report. As soon as I hear anything above KJ, it will be posted in the shark pool.

 

[Anthony Borbely]

Kowalski comments on Kevin Jones

Answering e-mails: What's up with Kevin Jones?

by Tom Kowalski

Wednesday August 22, 2007, 12:02 PM

Dan: With all the contradicting reports on whether Kevin Jones is going to be back for week 1 of the season; I was wondering what in all of it is true? Is he still progessing? In all likelihood, it seems as though he won't be 100% healthy or in game shape for week 1. Would the coaches be inclined to keep him off the PUP list if they had any thoughts of him returning for week 2 or even 3?

Tom Kowalski: Kevin Jones is very close to becoming 100 percent healthy but there are several issues why I believe -- and the sources I've talked to believe -- he'll start the season on PUP. First, Jones has yet to go all-out and cut on that left foot and he still has to get over the mental hurdle that there won't be a setback. Second, he's not close to the conditioning he's going to need for a full game, his stamina just isn't there yet. Running around the field and pulling a sled isn't the same as playing football in pads.

Third, while it's possible the Lions will take him off PUP if they think he'll be ready for game two or three, they're taking the risk that he won't be ready and then they'll lose a roster spot for that duration. And what if he won't be ready by week six? They'd have to decide to keep an "empty'' roster spot or put him in injured reserve and lose him for the year. Remember, the Lions have their bye during the fifth week so Jones will only miss five game and not six.

Anything is possible at this point, but I think it's extremely likely that we won't see Jones until October.

 

[cobalt_27]

Kowalski comments on Kevin Jones

Answering e-mails: What's up with Kevin Jones?

by Tom Kowalski

Wednesday August 22, 2007, 12:02 PM

Dan: With all the contradicting reports on whether Kevin Jones is going to be back for week 1 of the season; I was wondering what in all of it is true? Is he still progessing? In all likelihood, it seems as though he won't be 100% healthy or in game shape for week 1. Would the coaches be inclined to keep him off the PUP list if they had any thoughts of him returning for week 2 or even 3?

Tom Kowalski: Kevin Jones is very close to becoming 100 percent healthy but there are several issues why I believe -- and the sources I've talked to believe -- he'll start the season on PUP. First, Jones has yet to go all-out and cut on that left foot and he still has to get over the mental hurdle that there won't be a setback. Second, he's not close to the conditioning he's going to need for a full game, his stamina just isn't there yet. Running around the field and pulling a sled isn't the same as playing football in pads.

Third, while it's possible the Lions will take him off PUP if they think he'll be ready for game two or three, they're taking the risk that he won't be ready and then they'll lose a roster spot for that duration. And what if he won't be ready by week six? They'd have to decide to keep an "empty'' roster spot or put him in injured reserve and lose him for the year. Remember, the Lions have their bye during the fifth week so Jones will only miss five game and not six.

Anything is possible at this point, but I think it's extremely likely that we won't see Jones until October.

Thanks for the update. This would make weeks 1-5 and 10-17 pretty cut-and-dry for those who have the Bell/Jones combo. A little less clear in weeks 7-9.

 

[gman74]

is it 6 games or 6 weeks?

 

[Sonny Lubick Blowup Doll]

is it 6 games or 6 weeks?

6 weeks 5 games.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Kevin Jones isn't exactly bumping up against Tatum Bell on the depth chart, but if Bell looked over his figurative shoulder, he'd see Jones not just running, but cutting. That's a big step for Jones after surgery last year to correct a Lisfranc fracture. Much like Shaun Alexander, we're not sure exactly what stresses Jones will place on his feet. Going back to those slow-mo highlights and Jones' scatback stylings, there's a lot of possibilities. According to my best sources, the fracture site actually shouldn't be affected by the cuts, but in the starts. Note that an NFL running back has a tendency to "start" a couple times on any given run, so this isn't exactly minimal. The thing to watch for when Jones gets into games is whether he has an explosive burst.



S.I.com

 

[Sweetness_34]

Kevin Jones isn't exactly bumping up against Tatum Bell on the depth chart, but if Bell looked over his figurative shoulder, he'd see Jones not just running, but cutting. That's a big step for Jones after surgery last year to correct a Lisfranc fracture. Much like Shaun Alexander, we're not sure exactly what stresses Jones will place on his feet. Going back to those slow-mo highlights and Jones' scatback stylings, there's a lot of possibilities. According to my best sources, the fracture site actually shouldn't be affected by the cuts, but in the starts. Note that an NFL running back has a tendency to "start" a couple times on any given run, so this isn't exactly minimal. The thing to watch for when Jones gets into games is whether he has an explosive burst. S.I.com

 

[toppshelff]

I hope we get news by next Thursday so I can

a) drop him and then pick him back up after a few rounds as everybody else lets him slide (PUP declaration)

b) keep him knowing that the first five games may be questionnable, but I have a stud for the playoffs (non PUP)

No information is the worst while I drop him and he gets picked up early.

 

[az_prof]

Kevin Jones: Continues to Progress

RotoWire.com Staff - RotoWire.com

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Update: Jones (foot) did cutting drills through tackling dummies in practice Tuesday, something he was unable to do a few weeks ago, the Detroit News reports.

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Kevin Jones: Continues to Progress RotoWire.com Staff - RotoWire.comWednesday, August 22, 2007Update: Jones (foot) did cutting drills through tackling dummies in practice Tuesday, something he was unable to do a few weeks ago, the Detroit News reports.

SHHHH.........you hear that??? Thats the sound of the K.J Train pickin` up steam brother.

 

[Righetti]

Jones updateThe clock is ticking on running back Kevin Jones and his recovery from a severe foot injury. Will the Lions return him to practice or keep him on the physically unable to perform list?“We’re going to have to make a decision soon here,” Marinelli said. “It’s going to be with doctors. We’ve got to use their medical knowledge.”Jones hopes to return for the regular-season opener Sept. 9 at Oakland. Martz has said he is optimistic Jones will be back based on the way Jones has been working out.But the injury is tricky.“He’s working hard and cutting, but it’s not like cutting in pads,” Marinelli said. “That type of injury’s just not clean. … We’ve got to be right.”If Jones is going to return for the opener – or early in the regular season – he needs to start practicing soon so he can see can get into game shape and see how the foot reacts.If the Lions keep him on the PUP list, he must miss the first six weeks of the regular season. After that, there is a three-week window in which the Lions can return him to practice. Once they return him to practice, they have three weeks to put him on the active roster or injured reserve.

 

[Colin Dowling]

How come we haven't heard from Jones about this?

 

[Righetti]

Neither side is going to expose Jones to any unnecessary risk, but there are valid points on both sides of this issue. Jones, who is recovering from Lisfranc surgery on his left foot, Jones said Saturday that he expects to be re-examined by Dr. Richard Anderson, who performed the surgery, within the next week or so. Even if Jones is medically cleared to play, there is still a huge unknown concerning the injury. While Jones looks good running and cutting, there's a big difference between cutting when you're anticipating it and cutting when you're in full pads, getting hit, spinning and bouncing off defenders and putting unnatural torque on the foot. No one knows if Jones' foot is going to hold up until he actually goes through that process. Because of the NFL rules regarding the PUP list, however, the Lions can't put Jones in pads -- not even in practice -- until he's moved to the active roster. The reason management is hesitant to do that is because, while Jones is on the PUP list, he does not count against the active roster numbers. If he's activated and sustains even a minor setback, he could be sidelined for several weeks -- then, Jones would take a valuable spot on the roster, which would leave one position short-manned. Jones is only eight months removed from his surgery and management prefers not let temptation sway the decision. However, as the regular season draws closer -- and Detroit's running attack is still struggling -- the anxiety level of the coaching staff is rising sharply. Here's the crux of the debate concerning Jones: Even the most optimistic scenario has Jones missing one or two games to start the season. The coaches believe, though, that having Jones available for those two or three -- or even four -- extra games could make the difference in the quest to make the playoffs. When the Lions traded for Tatum Bell in the off-season, it was clear that he was considered an insurance policy and would supply good depth at running back. The plan all along was still to get Jones back in the starting lineup as soon as possible. The reason Jones is so valuable is because he not only has the speed and receiving ability to be effective in the spread formations, but he can run with power out of the base offense -- and that's vital to coordinator Mike Martz. While Martz is always going to think pass first, he knows he has to have a power running threat to get what he wants. If the Lions can force a defense into putting eight men in the box, that means the opponent will have to put single coverage on at least one -- if not both -- outside receivers. Martz can envision Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson running deep downfield, giving the poor free safety a split second to pick his poison. Martz needs versatility in his offense because each game will bring a different matchup challenge. And he believes Jones gives him the best option out of the backfield. Again, no one wants to put Jones in harm's way, but the behind-the-scenes debate is heating up.

 

[Koya]

As someone who took Jones as my 4th RB, I hope they put him in the PUP and get him back week 7, after the bye. I would rather not risk losing the full season for what amounts to 2 or 3 games at less than 100%.

With a week 6 bye, that fits perfectly into PUP through week 5, then he can work back during the two weeks of the bye and be back week 7. If he can heal up (and somehow not get injured again this year) then you have a top 15 back with upside that is considerably higher than that for the 2nd half of the fantasy season.

Plus, anyone who drafted Jones with the expectation of actually needing him (especially early in the year) has far bigger issues to deal with than just the Jones injury.

If anything, this is not great news for Bell at this juncture. You would think Bell could do more than just hold down the fort, but that doesnt seem to be in line with Detroits thinking that they need Jones back asap.

 

[Righetti]

Update On Lions RB K. Jones' Status Due Thursday

Mike O'Hara, Detroit News - [Full Article]

Detroit RB Kevin Jones will have his foot examined on Thursday to determine whether he stays on the PUP list or can be activated for the start of the regular season. He will miss six weeks if he remains on the PUP list.

 

[new-guru]

Some how I got Jones in the elevetn round of a Dynasty draft

When healthy he is a stud!

 

[BustedKnuckles]

Update On Lions RB K. Jones' Status Due Thursday

Mike O'Hara, Detroit News - [Full Article]

Detroit RB Kevin Jones will have his foot examined on Thursday to determine whether he stays on the PUP list or can be activated for the start of the regular season. He will miss six weeks if he remains on the PUP list.

Any predictions , just for chits and giggles.I say K.J does NOT go on the pup list as he could play before six weeks is up(maybe plays week 3?)

 

[NYCGangGreen]

Update On Lions RB K. Jones' Status Due Thursday

Mike O'Hara, Detroit News - [Full Article]

Detroit RB Kevin Jones will have his foot examined on Thursday to determine whether he stays on the PUP list or can be activated for the start of the regular season. He will miss six weeks if he remains on the PUP list.

Any predictions , just for chits and giggles.I say K.J does NOT go on the pup list as he could play before six weeks is up(maybe plays week 3?)

I'll say he does. Tatum + Duckett + Calhoun, while not a very frightening backfield, with the weapons available to them at WR....they will keep D's honest and get through 5 weeks w/o KJ (6th week is a bye anyways). Look for KJ to come back after the bye healthy and eager to reclaim his starting job!

 

[Gopher State]

Update On Lions RB K. Jones' Status Due Thursday

Mike O'Hara, Detroit News - [Full Article]

Detroit RB Kevin Jones will have his foot examined on Thursday to determine whether he stays on the PUP list or can be activated for the start of the regular season. He will miss six weeks if he remains on the PUP list.

Any predictions , just for chits and giggles.I say K.J does NOT go on the pup list as he could play before six weeks is up(maybe plays week 3?)

I also say Jones goes on the PUP, the risk is to great to bring him back early, plus the guys they have will hold the fort until Jones returns.

 

[Lone Ranger]

Let's assume that Jones goes on PUP for the 6 weeks and comes back. It doesn't mean that he'll get the starting RB position right away. He'll have to beat out whomever is the starter at that time which is most likely T. Bell. If Bell gets the start and stays hot I highly doubt that Martz will pull Bell in favor of Jones just because he's back. If and only if Bell bites the big one and doesn't live up to expectation then we can say that Jones might get his gig back. Otherwise, once you are a starter and doing well you can't lose your job. Look at the classic example of Kurt Warter over Trent Green a few years back. I'm sure there are others as well. A backup goes into a starting role and keeps the job. Happens all the time.

 

[Rev]

Update On Lions RB K. Jones' Status Due Thursday

Mike O'Hara, Detroit News - [Full Article]

Detroit RB Kevin Jones will have his foot examined on Thursday to determine whether he stays on the PUP list or can be activated for the start of the regular season. He will miss six weeks if he remains on the PUP list.

Any predictions , just for chits and giggles.I say K.J does NOT go on the pup list as he could play before six weeks is up(maybe plays week 3?)

Unless something comes up that we haven't heard about, I can't imagine the Lion's preventing themselves from using KJ until week 7. If there is even a chance that he could be at full tilt by week 4or 5, there are enough people in Detroit who's jobs are on the line that they will want to get every minute out of Jones that they can, especially since all of the other RBs are question marks themselves.

 

[suchislife]

Let's assume that Jones goes on PUP for the 6 weeks and comes back. It doesn't mean that he'll get the starting RB position right away. He'll have to beat out whomever is the starter at that time which is most likely T. Bell. If Bell gets the start and stays hot I highly doubt that Martz will pull Bell in favor of Jones just because he's back. If and only if Bell bites the big one and doesn't live up to expectation then we can say that Jones might get his gig back. Otherwise, once you are a starter and doing well you can't lose your job. Look at the classic example of Kurt Warter over Trent Green a few years back. I'm sure there are others as well. A backup goes into a starting role and keeps the job. Happens all the time.

I hear what you're saying, but what if it becomes apparent after a couple of weeks that KJones is the better back? Talent will always win out. It would become a question of who gives them the better chance to win.

 

[Koya]

Let's assume that Jones goes on PUP for the 6 weeks and comes back. It doesn't mean that he'll get the starting RB position right away. He'll have to beat out whomever is the starter at that time which is most likely T. Bell. If Bell gets the start and stays hot I highly doubt that Martz will pull Bell in favor of Jones just because he's back. If and only if Bell bites the big one and doesn't live up to expectation then we can say that Jones might get his gig back. Otherwise, once you are a starter and doing well you can't lose your job. Look at the classic example of Kurt Warter over Trent Green a few years back. I'm sure there are others as well. A backup goes into a starting role and keeps the job. Happens all the time.

Yes, this is certainly a possibility. However, with the body of evidence we have, there are two very important facts: While Bell has shown flashes, K. Jones is a VERY talented NFL back who can be very productive. When the offense is clicking, he is downright dangerous. You can not compare the two in terms of the ability they have shown, even though Bell has had moments. Second, Bell also seems to get dinged/hurt a lot.Take these two facts together and yes, there is a chance Bell (or someone else) gets the chance and runs with it - but it is far more likely that one of the teams offensive stars (just ALWAYS injured) is utilized and becomes the starter quickly.

 

[Sweetness_34]

Let's assume that Jones goes on PUP for the 6 weeks and comes back. It doesn't mean that he'll get the starting RB position right away. He'll have to beat out whomever is the starter at that time which is most likely T. Bell. If Bell gets the start and stays hot I highly doubt that Martz will pull Bell in favor of Jones just because he's back. If and only if Bell bites the big one and doesn't live up to expectation then we can say that Jones might get his gig back. Otherwise, once you are a starter and doing well you can't lose your job. Look at the classic example of Kurt Warter over Trent Green a few years back. I'm sure there are others as well. A backup goes into a starting role and keeps the job. Happens all the time.

Keep dreaming. Everyone on the Lions has said KJ is their #1 RB. He will be the #1 RB when he returns. Only question is does he start week 1, week 7 or somewhere in the middle. Other than that, it is wishful thinking from people who were too stupid to pass on KJ late in drafts. I will take KJ and you can take people like Brandon Jackson, Lamont Jordan and Deshaun Foster. In PPR leagues, KJ will be the SOD.