Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones has missed an extended amount of time with the team after suffering a knee injury. Will he be returning for the Monday Night Football game against the Giants?
Aaron Jones Injury Update
Jones was limited in practice all week because of a knee injury that has kept him out of the team’s last two games, and he was listed as questionable on Saturday. However, Tom Pelissero of NFL Media reports that Jones is not expected to play against the Giants on Monday night.
This will be the sixth game that the veteran back has missed due to injuries this season.
“I’m feeling better, just being able to get back out there with my guys…just making that progress,” Jones said Friday. “Hopefully, I can come out tomorrow and get involved with some team (periods) that will be telling and helpful going forward.”
Before this year, Jones had never missed more than four games in a season. He is in jeopardy of finishing with fewer than 1,000 yards from scrimmage in a season for the first time since 2018. He has produced just 414 total yards and three scores in seven games played.
Jones initially suffered the injury back in Week 11 against the Chargers and was diagnosed with an MCL sprain.
AJ Dillon has served as the lead back in Jones’ absence and would continue in that role with Patrick Taylor as the No. 2. The Packers could also elevate Kenyan Drake from the practice squad for further backfield depth.
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Without Jones in the last two games, the handoff count has been 32 for Dillon and five for Taylor.
“I think a lot of that is what’s the situation,” coach Matt LaFleur said. “PT’s gone in there in some of those known passing situations whether it’s two-minute, whether it’s some of the third downs to give AJ a break. So, it’s more situationally based.”
In their last three games, the Packers have taken home wins against the Chargers, Lions, and Chiefs. The hope is that after one more week off, Jones will be able to get back on the field and help lead the team to playoff contention.
“I’ve played at 70 [percent] and less before,” he said. “So, as long as everything’s fine, I’m stable, and I can go out there and take a hit, and I’m able to get up to a decent amount of speed, I can play through pain and things like that.”
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