It looks like Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones will suit up tonight against the San Francisco 49ers after all. According to Adam Schefter, the Packers plan to be careful. They will see how he feels pregame with his calf injury. But, he should indeed be ready to play tonight after missing the last two games.
If Aaron Jones does indeed play tonight, it will be a huge boost for Green Bay. Through his six games this season, Jones is averaging 77.8 yards per game on the ground and another 32.2 yards per game in the air. He has also gotten into the end zone seven times this year. He leads the team in rushing yards with 389. Having him back is definitely a welcome sign for Green Bay.
Jones Might Not Need To Play Heavy Minutes
However, going up against an injury-plagued 49ers team, they might not need to have their best night to win. With 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and tight end George Kittle both out for this game and beyond, this game could get ugly. And those two are not the only impact players out for the team. Defensive end Nick Bosa, cornerback Richard Sherman, and running back Raheem Mostert are all on the injured reserve. The list does not end there. Defensive tackle Solomon Thomas, defensive end Dee Ford, center Ben Garland, linebacker Mark Nzeocha, and tight end Jordan Reed are also on the injured reserve. In total, about $80 million in cap is on the injured reserve. Even without Aaron Jones, the 5-2 Packers would most likely have an easy route to victory against San Francisco.
Just like any team in the NFL, the Packers will take any win they can get. They would have liked to have the opportunity to beat the 49ers at full strength, especially after losing to them in the NFC Championship game last season, but the Packers need this win. After losing two of their last three games, Green Bay needs to get back on track with a win tonight, especially when they are the leaders by only half a game in the NFC North. Having Aaron Jones back should ensure that they do indeed get back on track tonight.
