The Green Bay Packers believe running back Aaron Jones avoided a major injury on a second-quarter play on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers.
“I don’t think it’s long-term,” coach Matt LaFleur said post-game.
LaFleur said the injury didn’t look good live — Jones’ leg was twisted awkwardly as he went down — but his veteran running back was in “good spirits” in the locker room following Sunday’s 23-20 win.
Jones was ruled out coming out of halftime with what the Packers reported as a knee injury. He finished with four rushes for 14 yards and one catch for three yards.
Jones appeared to be in major pain while being treated on the field and while being helped off the field following the injury. He needed to be carted back to the locker room, and the obvious fear was a season-ending injury.
Initial belief in Green Bay is that Jones will play again in 2023.
The Packers also lost Emanuel Wilson to a shoulder injury just minutes later, and LaFleur didn’t sound as if Jones or Wilson will be available for Thursday against the Detroit Lions. Expect the Packers to add at least one running back to the roster between now and Thursday.
Jones has already missed three games and parts of two others because of a hamstring injury. A.J. Dillon will be the starter at running back when the Packers visit the Lions.