-- The Green Bay Packers don't have a lead runner occupying their backfield at the moment, but many -- including quarterback Aaron Rodgers -- may feel Aaron Jones is ready for the job.

Jones, drafted in the fifth round (No. 182) of last year's draft out of UTEP, was the Packers' second-leading rusher last season in terms of yardage behind Jamaal Williams, who they drafted 48 spots earlier (No. 134) in the fourth round.

Both form a two-headed rushing tandem that complements each other's distinctive traits. Williams is the running back that'll lower his shoulders, fight for extra yardage and push a pile. Jones is the running back that'll gash his way through a defensive front with speed and patience.

Jones first saw regular-season action in a week 4 Thursday night game against the Chicago Bears in which Ty Montgomery and Williams both suffered injuries.

Stepping under primetime lights would make most rookies a little shaky, but with Rodgers in his corner, Jones had all the confidence he needed to perform.

"When I first ran in the huddle, he was like, 'Hey, kid, I'm one of your biggest fans in this organization,'" Jones said in October. "'I believe in you, so let's get it.' I mean, that does a lot for your confidence."

Jones lone mistake of the night was flicking the ball to the referee after scoring his first career rushing touchdown rather than storing it for safe-keeping as a memento.

The Packers' second-year running back's sentiments haven't changed even eight months later in an appearance on the Jim Rome Show.

"It does a lot," Jones said on Friday. "Especially me not having taken any carries in the regular-season, for him to tell me that as soon as I step on the field. It does a lot for a young player's confidence."

Jones and Williams essentially carried the load on offense via the rushing attack after Rodgers suffered a collarbone injury in week 6, ultimately sidelining him for most of the remaining games.

The hope is Rodgers will not only stay upright, but the two young tailbacks will as well. Both suffered injuries last season and missed brief stints of playing time, but if healthy, could help take an offense -- engineered with Rodgers under center this time -- to new heights.

"I mean, he's just a natural-born leader. He has all the tools and it doesn't get any better than that. I'm glad to be playing with him."