Chiefs' patience with RB Ronald Jones could pay off

The Kansas City Chiefs placed running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least the next four games. With that move, it's likely Ronald Jones will make his season debut Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.

Earlier this season, Jones tweeted he would like a release. The Chiefs did not honor that request, and the patience they have had with each other now could pay off.

Over the past few seasons, the Chiefs have turned to reserve running backs down the stretch. In the offseason, they signed Jones to a one-year, $1.5 million contract for just this purpose.

Earlier this week, veteran running backs Melvin Gordon (ex-Bronco) and Darrell Henderson Jr. (ex-Ram) hit the market after their teams released them. Last week, according to ESPN's Field Yates, the Chiefs put in a waiver claim for Eno Benjamin, who was cut by the Arizona Cardinals, but lost out to the Texans for his services.

Will the Chiefs try to claim another back or stick with their insurance policy in Jones?

Edwards-Helaire suffered a high ankle sprain in last week's win over the Los Angeles Chargers. He recently was replaced by rookie seventh-round draft pick Isiah Pacheco as the starter. The Chiefs also have do-everything back Jerick McKinnon.

With the running back room locked in, many wondered why the Chiefs held on to a fourth-string running back at such a high price tag.

The answer could come Sunday.