Green Bay Packers star running back Aaron Jones is currently dealing with a knee injury ahead of the team’s Week 16 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. He returned to practice on somewhat of a normal basis after recording a “did not participate” prior to Week 15. But will Jones play this week, and what can fantasy football managers expect from him?
Update 12/25/21: Aaron Jones is officially active and will play against the Browns.
Aaron Jones’ 2021 production
Jones’ enjoyed a solid 2021 season through 13 games. He’s posted 657 yards and 4 touchdowns on 151 rush attempts. He’s added 42 receptions for 340 yards and 6 touchdowns on 53 targets as well.
Jones has been playing well over his last two games. On Sunday Night Football, in Week 14, he posted 65 yards and 2 touchdowns on just 8 touches against the Chicago Bears. He then added 70 yards and a touchdown on 15 touches against the Baltimore Ravens last week.
Who will benefit if he’s out?
If Jones’ knee keeps him from playing this weekend, AJ Dillon will benefit the most. Dillon’s been playing a bigger role in the offense in recent weeks, even with Jones active. Over his last five games, he’s averaging 84.2 yards and 0.8 touchdowns on 17.6 touches per game.
In his only game without Jones this season, Dillon posted 53 yards on 11 carries against the Minnesota Vikings, adding 44 yards on 6 receptions as well. If Jones misses this game, fantasy managers can expect Dillon to turn into an RB1. Dillon is one of the very few running backs in pro football that boasts the build for a true workhorse role.
Will Jones play in Week 16?
Jones was able to practice in a limited fashion in each of Green Bay’s practices throughout the week. This is a step up from last week where he needed a rest in the middle of the week. Jones isn’t currently on the injury report, and he doesn’t bring an injury designation into this game. He’s expected to take on his normal role in the offense, but he’s splitting snaps with Dillon at this point in the season.
With that being said, Jones is getting valuable touches. After all, he’s the receiving back and is consistently a threat to score in the red zone. Even with Dillon’s larger late-season role and Jones’ knee injury, he’s a must-start in any season-long fantasy football league.