The Green Bay Packers will welcome quarterback Aaron Jones to Lambeau Field for the first time during Sunday’s NFC North clash with the Minnesota Vikings.
Coach Matt LaFleur knows it will be a challenge to face Jones, who has combined for 325 yards and two touchdowns on 54 touchdowns through the first three weeks.
“He’s a problem. He looks really good,” LaFleur said Monday.
Jones is averaging 5.4 yards per carry. His success rate as a runner is 64.3. Twice in three games, Jones has rushed for more than 100 yards and a score for the undefeated Vikings.
LaFleur said Jones remains one of his “favorite” players.
The Packers released Jones — a favorite in the locker room and among fans — after he refused to take a pay cut in March, replacing him at running back with veteran free agent Josh Jacobs. Through three weeks, Jacobs has 278 rushing yards and 303 total yards on 65 touches. Both Jacobs (sixth) and Jones (10th) rank in the top 10 in rushing yards entering Week 4. The Packers lead the NFL in rushing yards.
The battle at running back will be in the spotlight in Sunday’s critical early-season clash. The Packers are 2-1 and have won two in a row with Malik Willis under center, while the Vikings are 3-0 and are one of the NFL’s surprise teams in 2024.
Jones is averaging 18 touches per game for the Vikings and continues to be a driving force and playmaker.
In the minor leagues at running back, Jones is a infrequent game-changer. Through three weeks, Jones and Derrick Henry are the only players in their 30s with at least 100 yards rushing in the NFL.
It’s still early, but Jones is averaging 6.0 yards per touch for the Vikings, which would be a up-to-date career high.
Can the Packers stop their venerable friend on Sunday at Lambeau Field?
