GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers’ skill-position group will be at full strength for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.
Overnight, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reported what seemed likely all week: Running back Aaron Jones is expected to be back in the lineup to give the banged-up Packers a much-needed jolt.
Jones dominated the Week 1 victory over Chicago with two long catch-and-runs. The first set up his own touchdown run and the second scored a touchdown but also ended with an injured hamstring that sidelined him for the next two games. Jones returned for the Week 4 loss at Detroit – he didn’t even get the ball until the second quarter – but aggravated the injury during the final practice before the Week 5 game at Las Vegas and was inactive against the Raiders.
The bye week was just what the doctor ordered for Jones, so he’ll be back – presumably on limited snaps – for what amounts to a must-win game at Denver (1-5) for Green Bay (2-3).
Jones said of what normally would be a too-early bye. “Anytime you get those extra added days with rest, it’s huge. I was able to stay here with our training staff to get right. It gave me some confidence going into this week. I was able to get out there today and run around and do some drills, have a little bit of practice. It did a lot for my confidence.”
With Jones missing three games and really only making an impact in one, the offense has struggled to find any rhythm and consistency through five games. With the transition to Jordan Love at quarterback, Jones and receiver Christian Watson were supposed to be the big-play threats to help carry the load.
Instead, they’ve been on the field together for only 12 snaps this year.
However, while the Packers lost to the Raiders, they are coming off their first 100-yard rushing game of the season. The Broncos rank 32nd in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per carry. It’s a historically terrible start to the season for Denver.
Pairing Jones and AJ Dillon, who is coming off an encouraging performance against the Raiders, could give the offense a jolt against the Broncos.
“Just feel like coming out and being physical, setting the tone, that will set the tone for the running game and the passing game all across the board,” Jones said. “I always tell our guys over there up front, it starts with you guys. It starts with you guys and everybody else will feel that. When somebody makes a splash play, everybody else gets up after that. It starts a cycle.”
The backs will have to be at their best because the offensive line could be shorthanded.
Left tackle David Bakhtiari and left guard Elgton Jenkins were supposed to provide the muscle on the offensive line. However, Bakhtiari is on injured reserve and Jenkins is questionable for Sunday.
At least right tackle Zach Tom is past the knee injury sustained late in the Week 3 rally at New Orleans. He played with a brace the last two games.
“I did it in college so it wasn’t too bad, but it’s definitely a little added weight, for sure, especially for my left leg when I’m trying to push off with it,” Tom said. “I’m going to try not to wear it this week, so I should be good to go.
