The Green Bay Packers are hoping that their defense can take a step forward during the upcoming 2015 season, and Datone Jones has been a player talking about stepping up for them. Unfortunately, he was unable to stay out of trouble off-the-field and has been suspended one game for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
Make it three: Packers Datone Jones suspended one game for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 2, 2015
Needless to say, this is a very disappointing piece of news for the Packers. Jones was their first round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, and hasn’t shown any sign of reaching the potential that Ted Thompson saw in him.
Throughout his career to this point in time, Jones has recorded just 32 total tackles, 5.0 sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. He has played in 29 games combined in his two NFL seasons, and has only shown a couple flashes of his true potential. Despite that fact, there are still some in Green Bay that believe in him.
It will be interesting to see what the Packers’ reaction to this news is moving forward. They haven’t been very lenient with players getting into trouble off-the-field, and Jones’ struggles to this point in his career might make them consider cutting ties with him.
More than likely, the Packers will stick with Jones and give him a second chance following this news. It is certainly disappointing, but it would be a bit harsh to cut him at this point. Green Bay isn’t going to have anymore patience with Jones in the future, however, and he is facing the definition of a make-or-break season.