Green Bay Packers: Injury Report Provides Hope for Running Back Situation

If the Green Bay Packers want to make the playoffs as an NFC Wildcard, they must win their final three games of the season.

The Packers, like many other teams, have dealt with important position injuries as the season has gone.

While the defense has struggled in crucial moments, Jordan Love and the Packers’ offense have thrived despite missing key players like Aaron Jones, Christian Watson, and Luke Musgrave at various points this season.

Love went 29-of-39 for 284 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Green Bay Packers, on the other hand, failed to run the ball, finishing with 261 passing yards but only 60 rushing yards.

When the Packers are at their best, their offense takes a balanced approach to defeating opponents, utilizing the run game to create better throwing chances for Love and the talented corps of young receivers.

The Kansas City Chiefs were defeated 27-19. Love finished the game 25-of-36 for 267 yards, three interceptions, and no turnovers. However, Green Bay had 129 yards on the ground that game, which had the Chiefs defense guessing time and again.

It may appear obvious, but the ability to run the ball against any opponent cannot be emphasized. It not only opens up the offense, but it also allows for extended, productive drives to keep the Packers defense, which has struggled terribly at times, off the field.

The Packers’ next opponent is the Carolina Panthers, who have the 22nd-ranked run defense in the league. If the Packers can find success on the ground, they should be able to defeat a significantly inferior opponent.

The Green Bay Packers’ Friday injury report is upbeat for running backs.

Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon have both been injured this season.

However, Jones was not included on the injury report on Friday, two days before the Packers face the Panthers, and head coach Matt LaFleur said he feels comfortable about Dillon’s broken thumb and that he may possibly play with it, according to Rob Demovsky.

The Jones news is by far the most noteworthy.

Ryan Wood, a reporter for the Green Bay Packers, put it perfectly.

“Aaron Jones not on the injury report after a season, basically, of being on the injury report,” Wood told ESPN. “Might be the freshest he’s been since Week 1.”

He then mentioned LaFleur’s statement that Jones “looked good all week and had no complaints.” “I hope he stays healthy,” he said before striking the wooden podium three times.

Aaron Jones Is A Game-Changer When Fully Healthy

While having both Dillion and Jones at 100 percent is ideal, Jones is a great, dynamic weapon when he is totally healthy.

It’s nearly incomprehensible that the Green Bay Packers running back has only 79 carries for 298 yards and two touchdowns with three games remaining.

He started all 17 games last season and finished with 213 carries for 1,121 yards and two touchdowns.

Jones has always flourished as another option for the quarterback as a receiver, providing LaFleur more versatility with the playbook and adding even another weapon to an offense with diverse skill sets across the board.

Jones had 59 receptions for 395 yards and five touchdowns last season. He has 23 catches for 185 yards and a touchdown this season.

If Jones and Dillon are totally healthy and contributing in some manner, the Green Bay Packers have a good chance of winning these next three games and potentially slipping into the playoffs.