Packers-Saints Thursday Injury Report: Good News, Bad News?

Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones returned to practice on Thursday. What about Christian Watson and the other injured starters?

GREEN BAY, Wis. – First, the good news from Green Bay Packers practice on Thursday: Star running back Aaron Jones practiced for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury during the Week 1 game at the Chicago Bears.

Now, the other news – though perhaps not bad news: Receiver Christian Watson, who was limited participation at Wednesday’s practice, stayed inside the Don Hutson Center and did not practice.

However, that was part of the plan, coach Matt LaFleur said after practice.

“He ran a couple days in a row, and [the plan] was to give him a day of rest and we’ll see how he looks tomorrow,” LaFleur said.

Watson said he has made considerable progress over the past couple weeks.

“Honestly, I’m going into every week thinking I have a chance,” Watson said. “That’s definitely how I’m approaching it and, as of right now, I still have that same mentality of thinking I have a shot to go this week.

“Obviously, I want to play more than anyone else out there in the world wants me to play, so I’m definitely trying to play. And in my head, my plan is to try to prepare like I’m going on Sunday. If that is what it is, then obviously I’m going to be really excited. And if it’s not, then it is what it is, as well.”

During the portion of practice that was open to reporters, Jones took part in a ball-security drill, caught a swing pass and a screen, accelerating upfield after both, and was set to take part in individual drills alongside the rest of the running backs when reporters were ushered out.

Officially, Jones was limited participation. Will he play on Sunday? That will depend, in part, on how he feels on Friday after his first action since Sept. 10.

“He looked good, but we’ll see how he comes in tomorrow and the next day and make a decision then,” LaFleur said.

Getting Jones back for Sunday’s game against the powerful New Orleans Saints defense would be huge because the numbers through two games are absolutely incredible:

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Against Chicago, Jones carried the ball nine times for 41 yards and one touchdown and caught two passes for 86 yards and another touchdown. That’s 127 yards and two touchdowns on 11 touches. The rest of the running backs – AJ Dillon, Patrick Taylor and Emanuel Wilson – have a combined 40 touches (37 rushes, three receptions) for 127 yards.

Same yards on a difference of 29 touches.

“The playmaker Aaron Jones is, I feel like everyone on offense feels a lot more comfortable just knowing that’s a guy we can get the ball to and you know he’s going to make people miss and he’s an explosive player,” quarterback Jordan Love said on Wednesday. “That’s a guy you’re trying to get the ball to. So, I think everybody on offense feels good having him out there.”

Left tackle David Bakhtiari (knee), left guard Elgton Jenkins (knee) and safety Zayne Anderson (unknown) did not practice.

Watson didn’t do much when reporters were present on Wednesday. Given his importance to the team and how explosiveness is such a big part of his game, it’s possible the Packers could sit Watson on Sunday with an eye to the NFC North clash against the Detroit Lions on Thursday night.

If that’s the case, the Packers for a third consecutive week might have to lean on Romeo Doubs and rookies Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks and Luke Musgrave to carry most of the load in the passing game.

“I was ready for it,” Wicks, who scored his first career touchdown last week at Atlanta, said on Wednesday. “You know, a lot of things happen in football. Coach talked about it the whole time. Christian was out last week, last year. And (Allen) Lazard went down, so they – Christian and Rome – had to play more, had to fill a hole for them. So, I knew there was a chance of it, because I was down a lot in camp, and I know injuries happen, so just waiting on that moment, and when it did come, stepping up and being able to be trusted out there.”

For the Saints, do-it-all quarterback Taysom Hill progressed to full participation.

Packers Thursday Injury Report

DNP: WR Christian Watson (hamstring), LT David Bakhtiari (knee), LG Elgton Jenkins (knee), S Zayne Anderson (hamstring).

Limited: RB Aaron Jones (hamstring), OLB Rashan Gary (knee), OLB Lukas Van Ness (elbow).

Full: P Daniel Whelan (finger).

Saints Thursday Injury Report

DNP: RB Jamaal Williams (hamstring),

Limited: TE Foster Moreau (ankle) S Ugo Amadi (knee).

Full: QB Taysom Hill (knee), RB Kendre Miller (hamstring).

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