Packers: Important not to rush Aaron Jones back too soon
The Packers shouldn’t rush Aaron Jones back from injury.
We all know the importance of Aaron Jones to the Green Bay Packers offense.
However, even though his injury might not be serious, the Packers should be in no rush to bring him back.
Jones injured his calf at practice last week and was held out of Sunday’s win over the Houston Texans as a result. It was the smart decision not to rush Jones back. It’s not worth risking making the injury worse by rushing him back. If Jones returns too soon then makes his calf injury worse, he could be forced to miss multiple weeks to get back to 100 percent.
We saw a similar approach with Davante Adams. Even though Adams said he felt great prior to the Week 4 game against the Atlanta Falcons, as his hamstring wasn’t 100 percent, the Packers made the call to rest him for one more game. Then following the bye, he was fully healthy and ready to go.
If the Packers had rushed him back sooner, maybe it would’ve worked out OK. But maybe not. Adams may have re-aggravated the injury which could’ve kept him out for more time.
Packers have quick turnaround between games
Another thing to consider here is the schedule. The Packers host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday but then only have four days to prepare for a trip to the West Coast against the San Francisco 49ers.
Green Bay will need Jones fully healthy next Thursday night against San Francisco.
And while Sunday’s game is one of the most important of the year as it’s a home divisional game, the Packers should be able to find success on offense even without Jones.
Jamaal Williams proved last week he’s ready to take over the starting role if needed, carrying 19 times for 77 yards and a touchdown and also adding 37 receiving yards on four catches.
The Vikings have struggled defensively and have been hit with injuries at the cornerback position. They rank 29th against the pass this season and gave up 156 yards and two touchdowns to Adams in the season opener.
Even if Jones misses this game, the Packers should be fine offensively.
It’s important not to rush him back. So important to this offense, unless Jones is 100 percent, rest him this week and prepare for Thursday’s showdown with the 49ers.