Reports out of Tennessee indicate the Titans have some real interest in free-agent running back Kevin Jones. In fact, the team will be represented at a June 29 workout that features the veteran back.

Jones, who was released by the Detroit Lions in the offseason, has been able to make cuts on the knee in recent months. He even ran a short shuttle of 4.3 seconds. That’s an impressive number for an athlete who’s less than seven months removed from a reconstructive knee procedure.

Kevin Jones, RB, Free agent

Career statistics
Att: 761
Yards: 3,067
TDs: 24

“That is what teams can’t believe I can do,” Jones said.

Jones has had an unconventional rehabilitation program, part of which involves work in a pool and in the basement and dojo of a holistic medicine practitioner and sports agent, but it seems to be working out nicely. Barring setbacks, Jones could become a real asset for the team that takes a chance on him. There is some risk, however, as the Virginia Tech product has been prone to injuries at the NFL level.

Aside from his current knee ailment, Jones has also missed significant time due to an injured foot that required an operation to repair. Overall, he’s never played in more than 13 games since his rookie season.

But the real story with Jones (at least in the world of fantasy football) is less about his comeback and more about the Titans’ desire to add another back.

Why would a team with LenDale White, Chris Henry and rookie Chris Johnson have interest in Jones?

The answer to that question could center around Henry, who has failed to make progress as a running back at the NFL level. The Nashville City Paper even suggested that Henry would “have a difficult time making the active list on Sundays.” Henry needs to improve on his skills as a blocker, not to mention his instincts when it comes to finding (and hitting) holes at the line of scrimmage.

With these questions at the forefront, Jones could be added and moved ahead of Henry on the depth chart. And if he’s available for the start of the season, Jones’ presence could hurt the value of White and Johnson.

As it stands, owners should see White as a borderline No. 2 or 3 fantasy back with Johnson slated to be his late-round handcuff. But if the team adds Jones and he makes an impact in training camp, this could turn out to be a backfield situation to avoid in drafts.

Posted in: Fantasy  |