Packers-Lions Tuesday Injury Report: Aaron Jones ‘Is Playing’

The Green Bay Packers could get two of their most explosive players on offense on the field for a Thursday night showdown against the Detroit Lions.

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers’ offense is going to get a huge lift for Thursday’s huge NFC North showdown against the Detroit Lions.

At least that’s what team trainer/receiver Romeo Doubs said.

“We’ll have 3-3 back,” Doubs said matter-of-factly after Tuesday’s practice.

That, of course, is running back Aaron Jones. The team’s best all-around offensive weapon missed the last two games after sustaining a hamstring injury during the third quarter of a dominant Week 1 performance at the Chicago Bears.

After going through an extensive pregame workout on Sunday, it appears Jones is set to return.

Could receiver Christian Watson be back, as well?

“That’s the plan,” Watson said.

Watson missed the first three games with a hamstring injury sustained at practice on Aug. 31. His proclamation at least seemed a bit like cautious optimism rather than a definitive statement.

“I feel like it’ll still be a day-to-day thing of just still trying to a point where I feel as good as I can going into it,” Watson said.

Coach Matt LaFleur touched the brakes a bit on both players.

“I love his mindset, but until we get cleared medically, he’s got to go through the process, I would say, before anything’s for certain,” LaFleur said of Watson after Tuesday’s practice. “We’d love to have him out there. If he gets cleared, he’ll be able to go.”

Officially, Watson, who would not have practiced on Monday, was limited participation on Tuesday. That’s an estimation because the Packers didn’t hold a true practice.

“We just did jog-through, so it wasn’t anything crazy but I’m feeling really good where I’m at,” Watson said.

Packers RB Aaron Jones vs. the Lions last season :: Photo by Tork Mason/USA Today Sports Images

Watson wasn’t the only player who progressed on the injury report. Two other starters, cornerback Jaire Alexander (back) and right tackle Zach Tom (knee), went from did not participate to limited, as well. So did cornerback Carrington Valentine, who started with Alexander inactive against the Saints.

Jones was listed as limited participation for a second consecutive day.

Three starters were listed as did not participate: Left tackle David Bakhtiari, left guard Elgton Jenkins and linebacker De’Vondre Campbell.

Watson went through a pregame workout on Sunday, as well, though it was nowhere near as extensive as strenuous as Jones’ workout.

Watson said he was “pretty close” to playing against the Saints but didn’t want to take up a roster spot for a limited role.

He said the coaching staff wasn’t saving him for this game, a big battle against the Lions, who are tied with the Packers atop the NFC North with their 2-1 records.

“It was just as soon as I was feeling like I could go out there and be Christian Watson was when I was going to go out there,” Watson said. “Obviously, they have a lot of input, too, in that, in seeing where I’m at. It was whenever I was ready.”

Getting back Jones and Watson would provide an enormous lift to an offense that has played with efficiency in fits and starts.

Without Jones and Watson against the Falcons, the offense played relatively well offensively for three quarters but fell flat when it was time to win the game in the fourth. Without them against the Saints on Sunday, the offense performed abysmally for three quarters before Jordan Love created enough chunk plays to propel a comeback from a 17-0 deficit.

With Jones’ 11 touches and Watson’s zero, the Packers rank eighth in the NFL in scoring but 16th in yards per play.

Jones is an elite all-around running back and Watson is an elite playmaker. Beyond kicker Mason Crosby, Watson (nine touchdowns) and Jones (seven touchdowns and one two-point conversion) were the leading scorers last year.

“It’ll be huge,” Doubs said. “I know Christian is a guy that can go out there and make plays. We can all make plays, but I know Christian can go out there and make them because he’s really experienced in this offense, too. We’ll have 3-3 back, so Aaron’s, Aaron. He’s been making plays, so it’ll be exciting.”

For the Lions, their report was unchanged other than center Frank Ragnow going from did not participate to full participation. As was the case in Green Bay, Detroit did not have a true practice.

Packers Tuesday Injury Report

As was the case on Monday, the Packers held a walk-through practice on Tuesday. Participation levels are estimations.

DNP: S Zayne Anderson (hamstring), LB De’Vondre Campbell (knee), LT David Bakhtiari (knee/rest), LG Elgton Jenkins (knee).

Limited: WR Christian Watson (hamstring), CB Jaire Alexander (back), RB Aaron Jones (hamstring), CB Carrington Valentine (bicep), RT Zach Tom (knee), OLB Rashan Gary (knee).

Lions Tuesday Injury Report

As was the case on Monday, the Lions held a walk-through practice on Tuesday. Participation levels are estimations.

DNP: T Matt Nelson (ankle), RG Halapoulivaati Vaitai (knee).

Limited: FB Jason Cabinda (knee), LT Taylor Decker (ankle), LG Jonah Jackson (thigh), S Kerby Joseph (hip), RB David Montgomery (thigh), CB Emmanuel Moseley (knee/hamstring).

Full: C Frank Ragnow (toe; vet rest).

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