Packers expected to see return of two offensive players vs. Lions

The Green Bay Packers are expected to see the return of two key players to their offense Thursday night. Running back Aaron Jones and wide receiver Christian Watson are expected to play, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Even though Green Bay should receive contributions from both players, do not expect a full workload tonight. The Packers are reportedly going to be careful with how much they play in their first game back, which should result in a less-than-full impact.

Any contribution will be a positive against a tough Lions defense. Green Bay is going to need everyone available to them Thursday night, even if they are limited in what they are able to provide, production wise.

Packers News: Aaron Jones and Christian Watson expected to play in Week 4

Jones and Watson could be nothing more than decoys/gadget players against the Lions, but the fact of the matter is that Green Bay's chances are much higher with this duo available to play rather than without them.

The Packers have managed to win two of their first three games of the season, most of them played without Jones and Watson. Jones appeared in the first game of the season, rushing for 41 yards and a touchdown on nine carries, but has not played since. Meanwhile, Watson is yet to make his 2023 debut.

Despite not having one of the top targets in their passing game, quarterback Jordan Love has been able to be productive. This includes the game-winning drive in Sunday's comeback win over the New Orleans Saints.

While not perfect and still having plenty of work to do, Love engineering that win without two of their better offensive weapons in Jones and Watson speaks volumes about his potential as Green Bay's next long-term signal caller.

It is only a matter of time before Love and the rest of the Packers' offense fully hits their stride, and that could happen as early as Thursday night with two of Green Bay's essential offensive players potentially returning to the lineup.

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