The Green Bay Packers have been missing their star running back Aaron Jones for the last three games due to a knee injury. However, according to a report by ESPN, Jones was expected to make his comeback in Week 15 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This is a huge boost for the Packers, who are still in the hunt for the NFC North title and a playoff spot. Jones has been one of the most explosive and versatile running backs in the NFL this season, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and scoring three touchdowns.
He also forms a dynamic duo with AJ Dillon, who has filled in admirably as the RB1 in Jones’ absence. The Packers will need both Jones and Dillon to be at their best, as they face a tough matchup against the Buccaneers, who have one of the best run defenses in the league. We will tell you everything about Aaron Jones’ injury and the latest from the NFL in this article.
Aaron Jones
Aaron Jones, a running back for the Green Bay Packers, is an American football player in the National Football League (NFL). The Packers selected him in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft after he played college football at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). There, he broke the school record for career rushing yards. He has been a versatile and efficient runner and receiver since his rookie season, with speed and vision as his strengths. However, a knee injury has kept him out of several games in 2023.
How Did Aaron Jones Injury Happen?
A knee injury has sidelined Aaron Jones, the Green Bay Packers’ running back, since Week 11. He sprained his left MCL (medial collateral ligament) when Nick Williams of the Los Angeles Chargers tackled him on November 19. His knee got trapped under Williams and twisted as he fell to the ground. Fearing the worst, he left the field in tears on a cart. However, the scans showed that he did not require surgery and could recover in a few weeks. He has sat out the last three games and is unlikely to play in Week 13 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
He hoped to return by Week 14 or 15. Jones is a key player for the Packers offense, averaging 4.5 yards per carry and scoring three touchdowns this season. Jones recovered from his injury by following a rehab program that consisted of rest, ice, compression, elevation, and anti-inflammatory medication. He has also been progressively participating more in practice, doing some gentle running and agility drills. Aaron Jones made his comeback in Week 15 for the Green Bay Packers.
He had been questionable for the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but he managed to play and recorded 11 carries for 41 yards and one reception for 12 yards. He also scored a touchdown on a 9-yard run in the second quarter. Jones contributed to the Packers’ 27-24 victory and their improved record of 7-7. He said after the game that he felt good and was glad to be back on the field.
Aaron Jones Fantasy Football 2023 Outlook
Aaron Jones is one of the most dynamic and versatile running backs in the NFL, and he has been a fantasy stud for the past two seasons. However, his fantasy outlook for 2023 is clouded by some uncertainty, as he faces a new quarterback situation and a tough schedule. How will Jones fare in a post-Aaron Rodgers era, and can he maintain his elite production? Jones signed a four-year, $48 million contract extension with the Green Bay Packers in March, ensuring that he will remain the lead back for the foreseeable future.
He has proven to be a perfect fit for Matt LaFleur’s offense, which emphasizes zone running and play-action passing. Jones has averaged 5.2 yards per carry and 9.1 yards per reception in his two seasons under LaFleur, scoring 30 total touchdowns. He has also improved his pass-catching skills, catching 96 passes for 829 yards and 5 touchdowns in that span. However, Jones will have to adjust to a new quarterback in 2023, as Jordan Love is expected to take over for the disgruntled Rodgers, who has demanded a trade from the Packers.
Love is a first-round pick from 2020, but he has yet to play a single snap in the NFL. He is a raw prospect with a strong arm and mobility, but he also has accuracy and decision-making issues. Love’s inexperience and inconsistency could hurt Jones’ fantasy value, as defenses might stack the box and dare Love to beat them with his arm. Jones could also see fewer scoring opportunities, as the Packers offense might struggle to move the ball and sustain drives with Love at the helm. On the other hand, Jones could also benefit from Love’s presence, as he might see more touches and targets as a safety valve for the young quarterback.
Jones has shown that he can handle a heavy workload, as he had 285 touches for 1,459 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2020. He also has a capable backup in AJ Dillon, who can spell him and keep him fresh. Dillon is a power back who can wear down defenses with his size and strength, but he is not a threat to Jones’ role as the primary back. Jones and Dillon complement each other well, and they can form a formidable duo in the backfield. Another factor that could affect Jones’ fantasy outlook is the Packers’ schedule, which is one of the toughest in the league. The Packers will face nine teams that ranked in the top 10 in run defense in 2020, including the Buccaneers, the Saints, the Ravens, and the Vikings.
They will also face some elite pass rushers, such as Aaron Donald, Khalil Mack, and TJ Watt, who could pressure Love and disrupt the Packers’ offense. Jones will have to overcome some stiff competition and unfavorable matchups, which could limit his upside and consistency. Overall, Jones is still a top-tier fantasy running back, who has the talent and the opportunity to produce at a high level. He is a dual-threat back who can score from anywhere on the field, and he has a secure role in a run-heavy offense.
However, he also faces some challenges and risks, such as a new quarterback, a tough schedule, and potential regression. Jones’ fantasy outlook for 2023 is a mix of optimism and caution, and he should be drafted accordingly. He is a solid RB1, but he might not be as elite as he was in the past two seasons.
Bottom Line
The return of Aaron Jones from his knee injury in Week 15 is a significant boost for the Green Bay Packers, who are vying for the NFC North title and a playoff spot. Despite facing a tough matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their formidable run defense, the presence of Jones alongside AJ Dillon will be crucial for the Packers’ success.