Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst sees Aaron Jones as a “difference maker” capable of carrying the load as a No. 1 running back but also admitted the young runner must work to ensure he’s more available to the Packers offense moving forward.
Jones rushed for 728 yards and eight touchdowns and led the NFL in yards per carry in 2018. But he also missed two games to suspension, dealt with a hamstring injury during training camp and suffered his third knee injury in two seasons to end the year, limiting his opportunities and capping his potential as a breakout star during his second season.
Gutekunst spoke about Jones on Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine.
“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, via Aaron Nagler of CheeseheadTV. “He has to continue to condition his body so he can stay out there.”
Gutekunst later said he wants Jones on the field as much as possible.
Gutekunst’s comments suggest the Packers view Jones as a legitimate starting running back in 2019 but understand the need for depth behind him, given his injury issues during his first two NFL seasons.
It seems likely the Packers will use this offseason to add a third capable running back behind Jones and Jamaal Williams, especially considering the expectation that Matt LaFleur’s offense will lean more on the running game in 2019 and beyond.
It also seems unlikely the Packers will seriously consider adding Le’Veon Bell, given Gutekunst’s evaluation of Jones as a player.
Through two seasons, Jones is averaging 5.5 yards per carry, with 10 runs over 20 yards and almost 30 percent of his runs creating first downs or touchdowns. He is the definition of a difference maker as a runner.
But a difference maker can’t make a difference unless he’s on the field, making availability the obvious next step in Jones’ development as a young player. If he can use this offseason to get stronger and more resilient against injuries, he’ll go into the 2019 season with Pro Bowl potential as the Packers’ top option at running back.
