The Green Bay Packers’ strong start to the season almost makes it easy to overlook the fact that they are still missing two key weapons on the offensive end.
Aaron Jones has played in just one game so far, while Christian Watson has yet to make his season debut. Both players have been dealing with respective hamstring injuries, and Packers fans are awaiting for substantial updates on their injury status ahead of Thursday’s rivalry matchup against the Detroit Lions.
Green Bay Packers HC Matt LaFleur’s Injury Update
Unfortunately, this was not something head coach Matt LaFleur was able to provide on Monday. When asked about Jones’ and Watson’s availability for Thursday’s game, the Green Bay shot-caller had an ominous response:
“I think we’re in a similar spot (to last week),” LaFleur said, via Mike Spofford of the team website, “so we’ll just see how they respond and how they’re feeling. Because the last thing we want to do is jeopardize these guys for a long period of time for one game.”
While there is still a chance that both Jones and Watson are able to take the field on Thursday, you have to note that LaFleur himself stated last week that they were “hopeful” about getting both players ready for last Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. Neither of them played.
Based on LaFleur’s statement here, it is clear that the Packers are being cautious with their two offensive weapons. It doesn’t sound like they will be forcing either of them back unless their fully healthy — or at least healthy enough — as Green Bay prepares for a long and taxing season ahead.
Aaron Jones Would Have Practiced Monday
It appears that Aaron Jones has a better shot at being reactivated against the Lions, though. LaFleur revealed on Monday that the Pro Bowl running back would have been available for practice if the team did not get a day off. The Packers coach did say that Jones would have been limited, but the fact still remains that he appears to be trending in the right direction.
Then again, Jones was also a limited participant in practice last week as well and he ended up missing Sunday’s win against New Orleans. We should get a more substantial update on his (and Watson’s) final status as the Lions game draws nearer.
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