Green Bay Packers: Aaron Jones Avoids Major Injury
By Paul Bretl
Unfortunately, in what has seemingly become a weekly occurrence, the Green Bay Packers suffered a few more injuries in Sunday’s win over Seattle.
Whitney Mercilus, Aaron Jones, and Rashan Gary all left Sunday’s game with injuries. We have not yet been updated on Mercilus’ bicep injury, while Gary did receive some good news in that there was no break or ligament damage to his elbow—although further testing is required and there is no timetable for his return.
When it comes to Jones, he appears to have avoided major injury. Adam Schefter would report that Jones suffered an MCL sprain and a “mild” one at that, which means he should only miss one to two weeks.
Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel would also add that Jones has suffered this injury on three separate occasions—twice in 2017 and once in 2018.
During the first instance in 2017, Jones would miss two games while the other two sprains occurred at the end of non-playoff campaigns, so he was held out at the end of the season.
So far this season, the Green Bay Packers have done a terrific job of overcoming injuries and missed games due to COVID, but Jones’ impact on this offense can’t be overstated.
To put it simply, the Green Bay Packers are at their best and most efficient when going through Jones and the run game.
Jones is tailor-made for the Matt LaFleur offense with his ability as a ball carrier and pass catcher, not to mention that he can hold his own as a pass-blocker and be moved around the formation. Jones’ mere presence is enough to help create for his teammates with the attention that he draws.
"“It’s hard to replace a guy like that,” LaFleur said via Sports Illustrated. “Just everything he brings to this football team on a daily basis. Just watching him out at practice, the effort that he plays with. Here’s a guy that, he’s always the same. He’s super-consistent in his approach, his work ethic, his attitude, his energy. Yeah, you miss that when somebody’s not in the lineup. But other guys are going to have to step up.”"
In his absence, we can expect to see a heavy dose of AJ Dillon, who is proving that Green Bay can confidently lean heavily on him for an entire game, whether that’s on the ground or through the air.
Also, don’t be surprised to see Green Bay add another running back to the roster with Patrick Taylor on the 53-man and Ryquell Armstead on the practice squad as the only other options after Dillon.
The Green Bay Packers’ next two games are against Minnesota and the Los Angels Rams before they reach their much-needed bye week. My guess is that Jones returns to action following the Week 13 bye when the Packers take on Chicago at Lambeau Field.