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Packers: Three questions facing Aaron Jones in 2018

By Freddie Boston

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 08: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers carries the ball against Byron Jones #31 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of a football game at AT&T Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 08: Aaron Jones #33 of the Green Bay Packers carries the ball against Byron Jones #31 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half of a football game at AT&T Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 28: Aaron Jones
GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 28: Aaron Jones /

3. Will Jones win the starting job?

Right now, it’s unclear how the carries will be distributed between the Packers’ top three running backs: Jones, Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery. Based on last season, it’s likely Jones and Williams will receive the bulk of the carries, with Montgomery taking on more of a running back/receiver role.

In 2017, Williams had 153 carries for 556 yards and four touchdowns (3.6 yards per carry). Jones had 81 carries for 448 yards and four touchdowns (5.5 yards per carry). Montgomery had 71 carries for 273 yards and three touchdowns (3.8 yards per carry).

Jones proved he has the talent to lead the backfield, but he must now show he can stay healthy. Williams was more durable last season, and carried the ball 15 or more times in each of the Packers’ final eight games.

Interestingly, the only game in that stretch he received less than 15 carries was the only one Aaron Rodgers played (10 carries for 30 yards against the Carolina Panthers).

Jones’ best performances came when Rodgers was on the field, showing he’s potentially a better fit in a Rodgers-led offense than Williams.

We’ll learn a lot about this new-look Packers roster at training camp, and the running back competition will be one of the most interesting to watch. Jones, Williams and Montgomery all have a chance to be named the starting running back for Week 1.

My pick is Jones. Now it’s over to him to perform well at training camp.

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