The Facts: It looks like Ben Tate won’t be the only veteran free agent trying out for the Cowboys on Thursday. Rob Phillips of the team’s website reports that there will be a group of wide receivers and running backs working out in front of team brass and his colleague Bryan Broaddus reports that Jones will be back in Valley Ranch.
Diehards Line:
Jones was a first-round pick of the team in 2008 and spent five years as part of the backfield in Dallas before moving on as a free agent. His best seasons came in 2009 and 2010 when he gained just under five yards per carry while also catching 67 passes, but Jones hurt his ankle in 2011 and never captured the No. 1 running back job. Jones spent some time with the Eagles in the 2013 offseason, but wound up in Pittsburgh following a trade and made his last NFL appearances for the Steelers that season. As PFT notes, Jones was last seen at the NFL’s veteran combine, where he failed to show the speed that was once one of his calling cards. His presence -- and the fact it appears to be open audition day in Dallas -- dulls some of the excitement about Tate's presence today.