Packers Notebook: Aaron Jones and Christian Watson Reportedly Out
The Green Bay Packers are preparing to take on the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2 and move to 2-0 for the first time since 2020 and the third time in head coach Matt LaFleur’s tenure.
Unfortunately, they received some bad news on the injury front when ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported via X, formerly Twitter, that both Aaron Jones and Christian Watson aren’t expected to play on Sunday. That’s a huge blow to the Packers and their two best offensive playmakers.
Jones injured his hamstring on a touchdown reception last week and didn’t practice at all this week. Meanwhile, Watson returned to practice on Friday after he tweaked him hamstring in practice a couple of weeks ago. It will be the second straight game he’s missed.
Let’s check out some other thoughts from the Packers’ notebook before their Week 2 matchup against the Falcons.
Let’s check in on the Packers with final thoughts before they take on the Falcons in Week 2, including Aaron Jones and Christian Watson reportedly out.
Making Life Easier for Love
The Falcons love to confuse quarterbacks, throwing multiple looks at them and moving players around the field often. It will be an excellent test for Love, challenging him to read the defense and not pre-determine his throws.
It all starts up front with the offensive line. They need to be on their A-game again, giving him time to go through his progressions and find the open receiver. After that, the Packers need Romeo Doubs and the rookies–Luke Musgrave, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks and Malik Heath–to step up with the rock in their hands.
The AJ Dillon Show
With Jones out, the Packers will lean heavily on fourth-year running back AJ Dillon. Dillon is a bruising back who typically wears down defenses as the game and the season progresses. He didn’t look remarkably spry in the season-opener, which needs to change immediately. He’s seeking a new contract after this season, and this is a golden opportunity to prove he’s worthy of a starting position.
Disciplined Football
The Packers had nine penalties last week, with many of them coming as the personal foul variety. That’s unlike LaFleur’s team; they need to return to disciplined football. With Jones and Watson out, they can ill-afford to give the Falcons 15-yard chunks of field position at a time.
Similar Offensive Approach
The Bears threw a lot of screens and short passes in Week 1 and the Falcons will do the same with Desmond Ridder. Ridder completed 15 of his 18 passes last week, but they only went for 115 yards. Atlanta doesn’t trust him and wants to get the ball out of his hands quickly and into the mitts of their playmakers.
Green Bay must rally to the football and wrap up the ball carriers. Between Drake London, Bijan Robinson and Cordarrelle Patterson, the Falcons have some guys who can easily break tackles and pick up extra yards.
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Kyle Pitts
The other Falcons’ weapon the Packers must be aware of is tight end Kyle Pitts. He’s their biggest receiving threat and will challenge Green Bay’s safeties and linebackers. The good news is Quay Walker was cleared from the concussion protocol and should be ready. He has the athleticism to stick with Pitts and make life difficult for the young tight end.