Green Bay Packers: Friday Injury Report Gives Optimism About Running Back Situation

The Green Bay Packers have to win their final three games of the season if they want to sneak into the playoffs as a NFC Wildcard.

Like many teams, the Packers have battled injuries in key positions as the season has progressed.

While the defense has struggled in big moments, Jordan Love and the Packers’ offense has found a way to thrive despite not having key weapons like Aaron Jones, Christian Watson and Luke Musgrave at various points throughout the season.

In last week’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Love finished the game 29-of-39 for 284 yards and two touchdowns. But the Green Bay Packers struggled to run the ball, finishing with 261 passing yards but just 60 rushing yards.

When the Packers are at their best, their offense beats teams with a balanced approach, utilizing the run game to open up better passing situations for Love and the dynamic corps of young receivers.

In the 27-19 win over the Kansas City Chiefs,. Love was phenomenal, finishing the game 25-of-36 for 267 yards, three interceptions and no interceptions. But Green Bay also had 129 yards on the ground that game, keeping the Chiefs defense guessing time and time again.

It may sound like common sense, but the ability to run the ball against any opponent can’t be overstated. Not only does it open up the offense, it allows for long, productive drives to keep the Packers defense — a unit that has struggled mightily at times — off the field.

The Carolina Panthers are up next for the Packers, and they currently have the 22nd-ranked defense against the run. If the Packers can have success on the ground, they should be in good shape to knock off a far inferior opponent.

Green Bay Packers Friday Injury Report Optimistic For Running Backs

Both Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon have battled injuries throughout the season.

But on Friday’s injury report, two days before the Packers square off with the Panthers, Jones wasn’t listed on the injury report and head coach Matt LaFleur said he feels good about where Dillon is at with his broken thumb and he could possibly play with it according to Rob Demovsky.

The Jones news is the most significant by far.

Green Bay Packers’ reporter Ryan Wood summed it up perfectly.

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

He then noted LaFleur said Jones “looked good all week and had no complaints. Hopefully he stays healthy,” before knocking three times on the wooden podium.

Aaron Jones Fully Healthy Is A Game-Changer

While the optimal situation is to have both Dillion and Jones at one-hundred percent, Jones is a true, dynamic weapon when he is fully healthy.

It’s almost unfathomable to think that with just three games remaining, the Green Bay Packers running back only has 79 carries for 298 yards and two touchdowns.

Just a season ago, he played in all 17 games and finished the season with 213 carries for 1, 121 yards and two touchdowns.

Beyond his threat as a dynamic runner who can break off long gains at any moment, Jones has always thrived as another option for the quarterback as a receiver, giving LaFleur more flexibility with the playbook and adding yet another weapon to an offense with various skill sets across the board.

Last season, Jones hauled in 59 receptions for 395 yards and five touchdowns. This season, he has 23 catches for 185 yards and a score.

If the Green Bay Packers have a fully healthy Jones and Dillon contributing in some capacity, they have a decent chance on winning these final three games and possibly sneaking into the playoffs.