The Green Bay Packers defeated the New Orleans Saints in dramatic fashion on Sunday by the score of 18-17. After being shutout for the game’s first three quarters, Jordan Love and the offense scored 18 unanswered points in the fourth while the defense held the Saints to zero points in the second half.
Amazingly, the Packers were able to pull off the victory despite missing several starters on offense: David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Aaron Jones, and Christian Watson. They also were missing Jaire Alexander on defense and De’Vondre Campbell did not return to the game after injuring his ankle.
With a short turnaround before the Packers’ Week Four matchup with the Detroit Lions, health was certainly at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Today, various players in the Green Bay locker room revealed that both Jones and Watson will be playing on Thursday night.
To say fans were ecstatic would be an understatement.
Green Bay Packers Fans React to Christian Watson and Aaron Jones Playing on Thursday Night
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
It was Watson himself who revealed that he will be playing in Thursday night’s highly-anticipated matchup against Detroit.
First question no time wasted… #Packers Christian Watson are you going to play?
“That’s the plan, that’s the plan.. yes sir.” pic.twitter.com/hiPCTO6ipB
— Cody Krupp (@CodyWKrupp) September 26, 2023
As for Jones, it was Romeo Doubs who revealed that Green Bay would finally get their number one running back on the field for the first time since Week One:
“We’ll have 33 back.” — Romeo Doubs
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) September 26, 2023
When Packers fans saw the news, social media went up in a blaze of positivity:
Christian Watson and Aaron Jones back on TNF. pic.twitter.com/7vU4ZQUbhZ
— Matt Froehlich (@Matt_Fra_) September 26, 2023
Aaron Jones and Christian Watson are expected to play on Thursday
Jordan Love: pic.twitter.com/sjohK0ZV6l
— Eli Berkovits (@BookOfEli_NFL) September 26, 2023
The #Packers may have Aaron Jones and Christian Watson together for the first time in the Jordan Love era.
— Wendell Ferreira (@wendellfp) September 26, 2023
Christian Watson and Aaron jones playing Thursday 🥹 things we love to hear.
— Nate (@OzoNateTV) September 26, 2023
Christian Watson & Aaron Jones likely to return Thursday Vs the Lions? pic.twitter.com/8w9HypgFZf
— the guy behind the guy behind the guy (@tylerjean4L) September 26, 2023
Jordan Love, Aaron Jones and Christian Watson on the field together for the first time? pic.twitter.com/CCXRznM1sL
— In Development 🕶️ (@j__1252) September 26, 2023
Having Aaron Jones and Christian Watson Back Will Help the Green Bay Packers Offense
While it is likely that both Watson and Jones will be on snap counts for the Week Four matchup, it is hard to deny the fact that a little of both of them will go a long way for the offense. Jones still leads all Packers running backs in all-purpose yards despite missing the last two games.
As for Watson, his speed and ability to stretch the field will open up on the middle of the Packers’ other playmakers. Teams will have to commit other defenders to help cover him, which will allow Jayden Reed and Luke Musgrave to get the ball in the open field.
In addition, Watson has the speed to chase down balls that Love might slightly overthrow. His big play ability is a real game changer that can make all parties on the offense look better.
Other Injury Updates
- Elgton Jenkins will miss his second consecutive game with a sprained MCL
- David Bakhtiari, as always, will be a game-time decision
- Jaire Alexander remains questionable with a back injury
- De’Vondre Campbell is questionable with an ankle injury
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