Packers: Aaron Jones needs more carries after impressive return

Aaron Jones needs to be more involved in the Green Bay Packers offense.

At least Mike McCarthy is a man of his word.

After two games, Packers running backs were averaging 72 yards on the ground per game. Despite a lack of balance on offense and Aaron Jones‘ return from suspension, McCarthy said Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery would lead the way at Washington in Week 3.

And he stuck to that.

Jones didn’t get his first carry until the Packers’ third possession. His first rush went for 10 yards. It had initially looked like he’d be stopped for a minimal gain. Jones carried again, this time for eight yards.

That’s 18 yards on his first two carries back from suspension.

You’d assume Jones’ impressive start would earn him more carries. Nope. He had just four more for the entire game. Those four attempts went for another 24 yards.

Jones finished the day with six carries for 42 yards, averaging seven per attempt. His longest run was 17 yards.

Yet McCarthy continued to rotate Jones, Williams and Montgomery.

All three running backs bring something different to the table. Williams is a powerful runner and also excellent in pass protection. Montgomery offers versatility.

But Jones was the most productive runner on Sunday, and he provided a much-needed spark on offense every time he was on the field. The offense was rolling with Jones on the field, but he wasn’t given enough opportunities to have a significant impact on the game.

Williams’ pass protection is important. I get that. But we’ve seen in the past how effective Jones can be in an Aaron Rodgers-led offense.

Jones keeps the defense on the back foot. He forces missed tackles and regularly picks up four or five yards. Defenses also have to respect his ability to break out a big run.

Jones can take the pressure off of Rodgers simply by carrying the football.

He’s the Packers’ best runner, and he showed that on just six carries against Washington.

Jones needs a more significant role in Green Bay’s offense. He should be given double-digit carries against the Buffalo Bills in Week 4.