The Aaron Jones comparisons started from the moment undrafted rookie Amar Johnson arrived with the Green Bay Packers.
He only built on those ambitious expectations once the preseason started, rushing for 115 yards and two touchdowns at 5.2 yards per attempt. It included a special 39-yard touchdown run that displayed the acceleration, explosiveness, and tackle-breaking ability Jones made famous in Green Bay. It was the Packers' longest rush since Jones' 53-yarder two years ago.
Johnson faced an uphill battle to break into a crowded running back room, and, according to Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated, the Packers have waived the undrafted rookie. It's a decision they may live to regret.
Packers' decision to cut RB Amar Johnson could come back to haunt them
The Packers will likely hope to bring Johnson back to the practice squad, but he must first clear waivers. That's a risk they didn't need to take.
Given the uncertainty over MarShawn Lloyd's status, it would've made sense to find room for another running back.
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It's wild to compare an undrafted rookie to a Pro Bowler in Jones, and Johnson will likely never reach that level, but the similarities are obvious — not just in playing style, but also in their athletic profiles.
Both running backs are 5-foot-9 and a little under 210 pounds. They posted similar numbers in the athletic testing drills, including an identical 1.51-second 10-yard split. That acceleration showed up in game action when watching Johnson in the preseason.
"Johnson has a little Aaron Jones to his game. Low center of gravity, good contact balance, burst to the perimeter, certainly some shake to avoid tacklers," Zach Kruse of Packers Wire noted after the team signed him this spring.
Johnson proved that assessment right a million times over in the preseason.
Like Jones in 2017, who started his career as the Packers' third-string running back, all Johnson needs is an opportunity. He made a difference when given a game time in the preseason and deserved a chance to stick around.
For now, it seems the Packers are rolling with Josh Jacobs, Chris Brooks, and Emanuel Wilson as their top three, while it's unclear how much time Lloyd will miss.
In an ideal world, Johnson will clear waivers and re-sign to the Packers' practice squad. But after an impressive summer, that's no guarantee.
Green Bay may regret not finding room for the talented undrafted rookie.