Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur made good on his promise to cut loose running back Aaron Jones against the Los Angeles Rams.
Finally recovered from a hamstring injury suffered in Week 1, Jones handled a season-high 24 touches, gained 99 total yards and scored the team’s first first-half touchdown since Week 2 during the 20-3 win over the Rams.
The 24-touch performance was Jones’ 22nd career game with 20 or more touches. While he was held under 100 total yards for just the fifth time when receiving 20 or more touches, Jones did score a touchdown and help power several other scoring drives.
Jones rushed 20 times in a game for just the sixth time in his career.
LaFleur feed him early. On the first two offensive possessions, Jones handled 11 touches, including five for 22 yards on the game’s first touchdown drive.
Jones did fumble at the end of a 9-yard run in the second half and finished at only 3.7 yards per carry, but the Packers leaned heavily on the run game, attempting 38 runs and gaining a season-high 184 rushing yards.
Jones and A.J. Dillon combined to carry 29 times for 113 yards and catch five passes for 29 yards. The 34 total touches for the two running backs were a season-high.
Could this be a path forward for the Jordan Love-led Packers?
Back in Week 1, Jones created 128 total yards and scored twice in three quarters of play. It’s been a long two months since, but Jones finally looks healthy and capable of carrying the load once again.
