While the status of quarterback Aaron Rodgers is a game-time decision, head coach Matt LaFleur was clear when speaking to the media that he expects starting running back Aaron Jones to get some playing time on Thursday night when the Green Bay Packers take on the Oakland Raiders in the third game of the preseason.
“I anticipate him playing a series or so,” LaFleur said in his post-practice press conference ahead of the Raiders game.
That’s great news for Packers fans, who have been itching all preseason to see sparks of what this offense can be – especially with starters in the game. We caught small glimpses against the Ravens with the starters getting a little bit of playing time, but that was without Rodgers under center and neither Jones or his backfield-mate, Jamaal Williams, played.
Even if Rodgers doesn’t play this game in Canada, it’s still a great opportunity for Jones to get some game reps with the rest of the first team offense. When he’s played for the Packers, he’s as explosive as they come. Suspension, injury, and a baffling decision by old head coach Mike McCarthy to not play him as much really limited his chances last season, but when he played he was terrific for Green Bay – even in a pass-heavy offense.
Jones rushed 133 times for 728 yards and eight touchdowns last season. This was despite the fact that he played in only 12 games and split time with Williams and at times, Ty Montgomery.
Heading into 2019, there’s reason to believe that Jones could end up being one of the top running backs in the NFL. LaFleur has a run-focused offense and Jones is entering this season as the clear No. 1 back.
He’ll get a chance to show off some of his “stuff” against the Raiders, and while it’s a game that doesn’t matter, there are a few things the Packers undoubtedly will want to see from No. 33.
3. Explosiveness
The Packers' offense hasn’t been a complete product yet, at least from what’s been shown in the preseason, but that doesn’t mean the lack of explosion in this new scheme isn’t somewhat concerning. Even reports coming out of training camp suggest that Rodgers and the first team are struggling to find a rhythm, and a big part of finding an offensive rhythm is being able move drives forward with explosive players.
LaFleur calls them “explosives” and it’s been clear listening to him this preseason that he hasn’t seen as many of them as he’d like – especially from the running game.
Having Jones in the lineup, if only for a series or two, should add that explosive element. He hits the hole fast and has great vision and when he’s in the open field…look out. Last season he averaged 5.5 yards per carry. That may not be a sustainable number if he gets more carries this season, as expected, but it’s certainly a reason to be excited for him in LaFleur’s offense.
2. Durability
Perhaps the biggest question surrounding Jones this season has been whether or not he can be an every-down back for the Packers. He’s not the biggest running back and his style isn’t bruising or strong, and at only 5-foot-9 and 208 pounds, durability has been a concern in the past. He’s been limited most of this preseason with hamstring tightness and he’s had MCL issues take him out in the past.
If healthy for 16 games, as mentioned above, Jones could be a top five running back in the league. He has a similar skill-set to Alvin Kamara, so when he’s on the field there’s no reason to believe he can’t produce as such.
Against the Raiders, the biggest thing the Packers will want to see from Jones is his durability. Show the hamstring is good and take a few hits. Get out of the game healthy and get ready for the Bears to open the season.
1. Passing Game Prowess
Jones’ biggest X-Factor for this Packers team is not his explosive running, but rather his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. That’s a skill we know LaFleur will want to use in his offense, and if everything goes according to plan, Jones could end up being a major two-pronged weapon. That’s great news for Fantasy Football players and the Packers.
Even in Mike McCarthy’s antiquated scheme, Jones still found a way to catch 35 out of 53 targets for 228 yards and a touchdown over two seasons. He’s extremely fast and shifty in the open field, which makes him a great target for screens and leaks out of the backfield, but he’s also talented enough to line up in the slot and run routes if LaFleur wants him to.
The Packers shouldn’t give away all their state secrets regarding Jones and the passing game, but it would be nice to see what he can do in that regard against the Raiders – especially if Rodgers is throwing him the ball.
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