Watch: Packers RB Aaron Jones Returns to Practice

Four offensive starters were not on the field on Sunday at Atlanta. On Thursday, only running back Aaron Jones practiced.

Author:
Bill Huber
Publish date:
Sep 21, 2023 4:43 PM EDT

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Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones returned to practice on Thursday, potentially a huge development with a Week 3 showdown against the New Orleans Saints looming.

(Check out Jones in action in the accompanying video.)

Jones, who suffered a hamstring injury at the end of a 35-yard touchdown catch against the Chicago Bears in Week 1, was limited participation.

Jones’ sidekick, AJ Dillon, is off to a miserable start. Incredibly, Jones has as many total yards as the team’s other running backs combined but on 29 fewer touches. Moreover, his 127 yards in about 2 1/2 quarters lead the team; Dillon is next with 99 yards. Jones and receiver Jayden Reed have two touchdowns apiece.

The Saints enter Lambeau Field ranked fourth in yards allowed per passing play but 28th in yards allowed per rushing play.

The Packers finished the loss at Atlanta without four starters. Jones, left tackle David Bakhtiari (knee) and receiver Christian Watson (hamstring) were inactive, and left guard Elgton Jenkins (knee) missed the second half. Only Jones practiced on Thursday.

Watson practiced on Wednesday but not on Thursday. That was the plan, coach Matt LaFleur said.

“It’s no setback,” Watson said. “I’m trying to do everything that I can without doing too much. So, if I can go out there and do something one day, I’m sure it gets a lot of people’s hopes up because people start assuming different things. I’m just trying to stick to a plan and do everything I can do each and every day.”