The final injury report of Week 16 brought good news for the running backs of the Green Bay Packers: Aaron Jones does not have a playing status designation for the first time in weeks, and A.J. Dillon is questionable but trending toward playing on Sunday.
Jones has missed six games and been listed as questionable or out on the final injury report nine times in 2023. Now healthy after spraining his knee on Nov. 19 against the Los Angeles Chargers, Jones could be ready for his biggest workload of the season against a Panthers run defense that has allowed 21 rushing touchdowns.
“He looked good all week,” coach Matt LaFleur said Friday.
Jones has rushed 79 times for 298 yards and two touchdowns while catching 23 passes for 185 yards and a touchdown over eight games this season. His 483 total yards represent his lowest total since his rookie year in 2017.
Dillon is still dealing with a broken thumb but LaFleur sounded optimistic about his status for Sunday.
“I feel good about where A.J.’s at,” LaFleur said.
Dillon broke his thumb late in the Packers’ loss to the New York Giants in Week 14 and missed last week’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
In recent weeks, the Packers have used Patrick Taylor, James Robinson and Kenyan Drake in supporting roles at running back.
Drake, a veteran, has been elevated from the practice squad in back-to-back weeks. The Packers would need to elevate him again by Saturday, but it’s possible no move is made if Jones and Dillon are both good to go for Sunday.
The Panthers have allowed 4.0 yards per rush this season. The 21 rushing touchdowns allowed by Carolina are an NFL-high.
The Packers are unlikely to have Christian Watson (doubtful), and Jayden Reed is battling through toe and chest injuries. Jones and the running backs will likely need to play a leading role for the Packers offense in Carolina on Sunday.
