imported_MoBsters_ofthe_Midway

Jones misses practice

By K.C. Johnson
Tribune staff reporter

July 27, 2006, 3:35 PM CDT


BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- Thomas Jones finally broke his silence Thursday, speaking for the first time since skipping voluntary offseason workouts, losing his starting running back job to Cedric Benson and straining his right hamstring.

The latest development occurred early Thursday morning while Jones ran sprints as part of a team physical. The Bears placed their leading rusher on the physically unable to perform list, which he can leave at any time before the Sept. 10 season opener.
The Bears said more information about Jones' injury would be available Friday. Jones called the injury "not serious."

More serious are Jones' feelings over being demoted after rushing for a career-high 1,335 yards last season.

"Anybody who has done what I've done the last couple of years is a guy who should be a starter," Jones said. "I think I was the leader on the offense the past two years. I think I've been very productive despite some of the situations I've had to be in. I've worked hard. I've kept my mouth shut. I stay out of trouble. I do what I'm supposed to do and what the coaches ask me to do.

"As far as me being a starter, I was the starter the past two years. So we'll see how it goes."

Jones and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, made it clear to Bears management before the NFL Draft in April that he would welcome a trade. Asked if he still desired one, Jones said he enjoyed playing with his teammates. But he didn't directly answer the question.

"I really don't have a comment on that," he said. "Those were things that happened before. Now I'm here in training camp and I'm trying to focus on that."

Still, Jones refused to criticize Bears management, even complimenting strength and conditioning coach Rusty Jones. But Jones said he skipped the voluntary workouts because of his knowledge of the offense and because he prefers working out with his own personal trainer.

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KWilliamsAWinfield

Thomas had a great year last year and in my opinion, he should start

PavlovsLion

It does seem like it should be his job to lose.

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Satire n. -- Irony, sarcasm, or caustic wit used to attack or expose folly, vice, or stupidity.

imported_MoBsters_ofthe_Midway

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(KWilliamsAWinfield @ Jul 27th ) [snapback]1639428[/snapback]</div>yeah but if you dont show up for practice why shouldnt you lose your spot, and now he is coming up with this bull**** injury, i say give it to Benson and let Jones ride the bench

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slvgx

tj is a way better guy than benson and really deserves to start but we cant have a a 35$ mil running back ride the pine while he just sits there and collects money.

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2007 Chicago Bears Breakout Player of the Year: Dusty Dvoracek

BBBF

Just put them both in there

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imported_CincyCracker9

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(slvgx @ Jul 27th ) [snapback]1639538[/snapback]</div>

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sweet carson palmer sig. goes here

www.myspace.com/cincycracker9

lab_nerd

Its not a question of whose better. Its Jones' unwillingness to play for the Bears. He skips voluntaries, wants a trade and doesnt deny it. He loses his spot until he wants to play and earns it back.

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04/16/07 - Prayers for the families of those lost. RIP

04/18/07 - Congratulations Mark Buehrle on the first White Sox No Hitter in 16 years!
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URL54MVP

Let's see last season Thomas Jones was the #1 back and he rushed for 1300 yards so I'm not sure what his issue is. If he had showed up for OTA's like everyone else, he'd likely still be the #1 back. But instead, he skips the voluntary workouts which results in Lovie demoting him temporarily to 2nd string just like Briggs and Vasher.

TJ needs to stop being a ***** and just go out and win the job. Very few NFL players are above competition.

For a guy who was drafted 6th overall and had to roll with the "bust" label for much of his career, one would think that once he had that breakout season he would appreciate it more and behave like a professional.

Love TJ's game but I think his mental attitude is going to write his ticket out of Chicago.

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elaments

The Bears are fuggin morons for drafting Benson in the first place. Jones was def primed for another great year this year. I don't get why they won't just trade him for Lelie already, Jones isn't a #2 RB he's most def a #1 caliber RB and he really doesn't deserve to be benched because he missed VOLUNTARY workouts in the offseason. Just another reason why the Bears are idiots and I'm gonna be laughing while Benson blows *** and Jones rides the bench.

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