5 Packers Who Deserve More Playing Time After First Quarter of Season

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Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones (33) picks up 51 yards on reception while Chicago Bears safety Eddie Jackson (4) misses a tackle during the third quarter of their regular season opening game Sunday, September 10, 2023 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. The Green Bay Packers beat the Chicago Bears 38-20. /

Packers Who Deserve More Playing Time: Aaron Jones

The ongoing discourse surrounding the underutilization of Aaron Jones feels almost surreal, given that it continues seven years into his NFL career and five years into Matt LaFleur’s coaching reign with the Packers. Yet, here we are, still having this conversation.

In Week 4, following his recovery from a hamstring injury, Jones found himself on the field for a mere 20 of the Packers’ 57 offensive snaps. Remarkably, he didn’t even touch the ball until a couple of minutes into the second quarter. It’s a head-scratching scenario when you consider that Jones is undeniably one of Green Bay’s most potent offensive weapons. The decision to have him suited up, only to go an entire quarter without getting the ball into his hands, borders on football malpractice.

Next. 5 Packers on the Hot Seat. dark

Now, some might argue that his limited usage in Week 4 can be attributed to his post-injury status. However, this narrative of Jones playing limited snaps is a recurring theme. Take Week 1, for instance, when Dillon out-snapped him 29 to 28. The pattern is hard to ignore, and it’s high time the Packers realize the goldmine they have in their star running back and start making him a central figure in their offensive schemes.

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