Ernest Jones IV did not ask for a trade but he is absent from Rams practice

Linebacker Ernest Jones IV was not at the Rams’ practice Monday after rumors of a trade emerged. (Jayne Kamin-Oncea / Associated Press)

The Rams practiced for the first time Monday at their new temporary facility in Woodland Hills, but linebacker Ernest Jones IV was not among them.

Jones — a team captain, the defensive signal caller and the leading tackler last season — is entering the final year of his rookie contract and the Rams want him to play it out before considering an extension.

The Rams on Sunday gave Jones’ representatives permission to explore a trade and new contract with other teams.

After word of the situation leaked, Jones tweeted that he never requested a trade, but the tweet was quickly deleted.

“He’s right — he never requested a trade,” coach Sean McVay said after practice. “We’ve had communication with his representation, there’s been some dialogue with teams and that’s kind of where it’s at.”

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With the retirement of star defensive tackle Aaron Donald, Jones was expected to remain a pillar of a defense now under the direction of Chris Shula, who succeeded Raheem Morris as defensive coordinator.

Jones is “a pro’s pro in every sense of the word,” McVay said.

But the Rams appear to be well down the road to potentially cutting ties.

“These are parts of the profession,” McVay said. “They’re not fun parts but they are real parts that you have to acknowledge. … We’re just kind of dealing with it a day at a time.”

Christian Rozeboom, Jacob Hummel, Troy Reeder and rookie Omar Speights are other inside linebackers on a roster that must be trimmed to 53 players by Tuesday at 1 p.m. PT

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How would the Rams compensate for the departure of Jones as they prepare for their Sept. 8 opener at Detroit?

“Once we see exactly which direction this thing…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/ernest-jones-iv-did-not-191634705.html

Author : LA Times

Publish date : 2024-08-26 19:16:34

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