Bucs' Koetter calls rookie RB Jones' debut 'pretty average'

Rookie running back Ronald Jones left Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter wanting more - quite a bit more, in fact - with his performance in Thursday's preseason opener.

"I thought Ronald was pretty average," Koetter said Friday, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. "I think Ronald was wanting to contribute in a big way. ... We've seen him doing that in practice. I think he was maybe pushing it a little bit. I thought he lined up too deep in the backfield a couple times."

The Bucs selected Jones early in the second round of the 2018 draft with the hopes that the 21-year-old could put a stop to their revolving door in the backfield. The USC product received nine carries in his preseason debut, rushing for 9 yards and one touchdown. His longest scamper produced 5 yards.

Jones is competing with third-year pro and former undrafted free agent Peyton Barber for the top spot on Tampa's depth chart. Veteran Jacquizz Rodgers should also factor into the equation.

As a team, the Bucs managed just 2.6 yards per carry on 28 rushing attempts versus the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night. Barber produced 21 yards and a touchdown on his four carries.