Josh Jones was a key piece for the Green Bay Packers' defense during his rookie season in 2017 and was expected to take a huge step forward. His versatility was expected to fit perfectly into new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine's new defensive scheme. While the expectations were high, the Packers have not been playing Jones much throughout the first five games of the season.
According to Jones in an interview with Kyle Cousineau, who is a reporter covering the Packers, he is unhappy with the lack of playing time that he has been given so far this season.
#Packers S @JoshJones11_ sounds a little miffed by his lack of playing time on #ClubhouseLive “You ain’t going to take a player in the 2nd round to not contribute to the team.” pic.twitter.com/8BmorzNxaK
— Kyle Cousineau (@KCousineau09) October 9, 2018
He went on to reiterate that he loves being a member of the Packers and that he understands that the coaching staff makes the decisions on playing time.
“It's not my call. I just do what I'm told. It's nothing against them. I love being here.”
Jones looked like a budding star for the Packers last season. He played all over the field, including in the secondary as well as some time at linebacker.
During the 2017 season, Jones racked up 71 total tackles to go along with two sacks, an interception, and five defended passes. Those numbers show just how valuable he was for the Packers' defense. This season, however, he has played in only two games and had one tackle.
Fans have begun questioning personnel decisions by the coaching staff. Jones isn't the only second-year player that hasn't been getting enough playing time. Aaron Jones, one of the Packers' running backs, has also been playing impressive football but has not been getting enough playing time.
Green Bay is currently 2-2-1 on the season and questions are beginning to rise about their ability to compete in the NFC. Mike McCarthy will have some decisions to make for the Packers and putting both Jones' out on the field more should certainly be a consideration at the very least.
