Gruden has confidence in Jones, but stresses need for durability, ball security

Redskins running back Matt Jones gets hit by Panthers outside linebacker Shaq Green-Thompson but manages to hang on to the ball for a fourth-quarter first down on Nov. 22. (Toni L. Sandys/ The Washington Post)INDIANAPOLIS — As a rookie, running back Matt Jones displayed both promise and inconsistency. He flashed big-play ability both as a runner and pass catcher, but he also struggled with ball security and missed three games with injury.

However, Washington Redskins coaches and officials believe that the 2015 third-round pick is ready to take over as the featured back. Jones has some things to work on, Coach Jay Gruden said Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine. But Gruden also believes the…