MRI reveals Aaron Jones' injury, how long he could be out
The Green Bay Packers may have pulled off a 17-0 win over the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, but they suffered a loss in the process, as star running back Aaron Jones suffered an MCL injury.
Late Sunday night, ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that the Packers believe Jones’ injury is an MCL sprain, and on Monday, Schefter provided a welcome update for Packers fans: Jones did, in fact, avoid any significant tears, according to an MRI. Jones MRI revealed a “mild” MCL tear, so Jones will avoid a stint on the injured reserve. He is expected to be out 1-2 weeks. The Packers’ next two games are away against the Minnesota Vikings and home against the Los Angeles Rams.
Given that Jones’ injury is minor and the Packers were able to withhold the UTEP prospect from an IR stint, his timeline is fluid. If he were placed on the IR, he’d be sidelined at least three weeks. Instead, as Schefter pointed out, Green Bay can see how Jones progresses through the week before making a determination.
Jones suffers injury, AJ Dillon takes over
Jones exited the game in the second half against Seattle after having accumulated 25 yards on seven carries. AJ Dillon took over lead back duties and finished with 21 carries for 66 yards and two touchdowns.
The Packers bounced back from a loss against Kansas City in Week 9 to pull out a 17-0 victory against the Seahawks. They improved to 8-2 on the season and have a strong hold on the NFC North division.
Prior to Sunday, Jones had rushed for 516 yards and three touchdowns on 116 carries this season.
The game remained close until the fourth quarter, when Green Bay scored its only two touchdowns of the game. Both scores were short rushes from Dillon.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers made his return to the field after missing last week because of COVID-19 protocols. He went 23-of-37 passing for 292 yards and an interception.
Unfortunately, Jones wasn’t the only player to go down in Green Bay.
The Packers announced linebacker Rashan Gary is questionable to return to the game with an elbow injury. He went down in the fourth quarter attempting to tackle Seahawks running back Travis Homer.
Before leaving the game, Gary made his mark on the game, sacking quarterback Russell Wilson. He added on three tackles to his tally as well, all of which were solo.
Gary has been a key player for Green Bay this season, playing in all nine games. Entering the Seattle game, he has recorded 28 tackles, only two of them have been for a loss. The former Michigan man is coming off the edge more times than not, having a team-high 4.5 sacks on the year. His pressure has been consistent, leading the team with 18 quarterback hits.