Brian Gutekunst wants Aaron Jones on the field "as much as possible"
By PackerAaron
Packers running back Aaron Jones was, by far, the most dynamic option in the Packers backfield during the 2018 season.
Fans frustrations with his lack of use, especially early in the season when former head coach Mike McCarthy stuck to his three running back rotation, are well documented. Fantasy football players can undoutedly tell you horror stories about trying to figure out when to insert Jones into their lineup throughout the season.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst offered a glimmer of hope for those would have Jones be the featured back in Green Bay when he was asked about the possibility heading into 2019.
"The nature of the NFL, it’s tough to have one back carry the load. Aaron is certainly capable. When he’s out there, he’s a difference maker for us." Gutekunst said. “He has to continue to condition his body so he can stay out there.”
That last bit is obviously a nod to the injury issues that have derailed Jones a few times over the last two years, whether its been a pair of knee injuries or a hamstring injury that kept him out for extensive time last summer.
No one doubts Jones' ability on the field. But don't be surprised if Gutekunst adds a running back later in the draft to add some depth to the position.
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Comments (6)
carlos
February 27, 2019 at 11:59 am
Do need a quality back to back up or spell our top two backs. Jones may not handle a heavy work load for a whole season. It’s a tough league. A quick twitch guy who has good hands would be nice who maybe could return punts. Kick returns can be brutal. Years ago even worse before all the concussion protocol.
Handsback
February 27, 2019 at 12:23 pm
Won't be shocked if Gutsey picks up a vet RB like Yeldon, Coleman, or Ingram to add more firepower and save Jones from burning out from running the ball too much. If I had to guess it would be Yeldon.
If I had to pick if Green Bay would go after Brown or Bell...it would be a 1 year prove it to Bell if he was willing to show teams he could still perform.
Rak43
February 27, 2019 at 02:48 pm
Bell's not signing a prove it deal. He turned down over 14 million last year on the franchise tag so I think he's proven what he's capable of. He wants a long term deal for security. If he was going to sign a one year deal he would've signed his franchise tender. I'm willing to go out on a limb and say hell will freeze over before Bell signs a one year prove it deal.
Point-Packer
February 27, 2019 at 09:30 pm
Wow, what every Packer fan minus Mike McCarthy knew all of last year. He "must have been playing the percentages"...
Since'61
February 28, 2019 at 06:56 am
We need an RB who can give out as well as take punishment, especially later in a game after Jones has tired them out.
An improved OL would help all of our RBs as well. Thanks, Since '61
Leatherhead
March 01, 2019 at 09:37 am
I think this is a great plan!! Let's wear him out in September and October so that he's broken by November and unavailable for the stretch run and playoffs.
Aaron Jones was broken after 160 touches last year. The previous year, he was broken in training camp and then played in 12 games during the season. He broke twice and missed games. He had 90 touches
MY PLAN would be to use him as a dangerous change up to Williams early in the season, and if he's still is healthy in November start using him more. I'd like to have him available for the stretch run and playoffs, personally.
I would actually get another RB to help share the load with Williams and try to keep Jones healthy for when it counts. The title is not won in September and October, no matter what Viking fans believe.