The Green Bay Packers will welcome back running back Aaron Jones to Lambeau Field for the first time during Sunday’s NFC North showdown with the Minnesota Vikings.
Coach Matt LaFleur knows facing Jones — who has 325 total yards and two touchdowns on 54 touches through the first three weeks — will be a big challenge.
“He’s a problem. He looks really good,” LaFleur said Monday.
Jones is averaging 5.4 yards per rush. His success rate as a rusher is 64.3. Twice in three games, Jones has produced over 100 total yards and a score for the unbeaten Vikings. According to Pro Football Focus, Jones had forced 12 missed tackles and is averaging over 2.0 yards per route run — highlighting his versatile playmaking ability.
LaFleur said Jones remains one of his “favorite” players.
The Packers released Jones — a favorite in both the locker room and fan base — after he refused a pay cut in March, replacing him at running back with veteran free agent Josh Jacobs. Through three weeks, Jacobs has 278 rushing yards and 303 total yards on 65 touches. Both Jacobs (sixth) and Jones (10th) rank in the top 10 for rushing yards entering Week 4. The Packers lead the entire NFL in rushing yards.
The battle at running back will be in the spotlight during Sunday’s important early season clash. The Packers are 2-1 and coming off back-to-back wins with Malik Willis under center, while the Vikings are 3-0 and one of the NFL’s surprise teams of 2024.
Jones is averaging 18 touches a game for the Vikings and continues to be a sparkplug and a playmaker.
In a league of youth at running back, Jones is a rare difference-maker. Through three weeks, Jones and Derrick Henry are the only players in their age-30 season with at least 100 rushing yards in the NFL.
It’s still early, but Jones is averaging 6.0 yards per touch for the Vikings, which would set a new career high.
Can the Packers contain their old friend on Sunday at Lambeau Field?