Running back Kevin Jones went through a workout this Saturday as four NFL teams watched him sprint and cut just five months after major knee surgery. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions 30th overall in 2004. Jones had a very successful rookie season with the Lions and became the third running back in franchise history to rush for 1,000+ yards in his rookie season. He joined the ranks of Billy Sims and Barry Sanders. The Lions cut Jones in March with one year left on his contract.

Dr. D.S. Ping, who has been helping Jones rehabilitate his right knee, stated that Miami, Green Bay, Pittsburgh and Detroit all sent representatives to the workout that took place in Saline, Mich. In addition the Cleveland Browns also called requesting a video of the workout. Jones did a shuttle run on wet grass in 4.3 seconds, ran around cones and caught passes. “All the teams basically said they were amazed by what Kevin can do,” Ping said.

Jones missed the first two games last season while he recovered from a foot injury that sidelined him for the last three games of 2006. He ran for at least 70 yards in five games, including a season-high 105, before he hurt his knee Dec. 23 in a game against the Chiefs. A few months later, the Lions released him.

However, the Lions sent Director of Pro Personnel Sheldon White to witness the workout. “Sheldon said what impressed him was Kevin’s burst after standing still,” Ping said. “He also liked how Kevin picked himself up and finished a drill when he slipped on the grass that was really slick because of a lot of rain.”

Pittsburgh’s college scouting coordinator Ron Hughes was also impressed. “Ron told me he thought Kevin ran really well,” Ping said.

The surgery was performed on Jones’ right knee back in January and he was told it would take up to 10 months to get back on the field. However Jones expects to go through non-contact drills during training camp with the team that signs him. “I honestly feel like I’m ready to play right now,” Jones insisted earlier this month.

He’s vying for a job along with other free agent running backs such as Shaun Alexander, Chris Henry, Ron Dayne and Cedric Benson.