The Packers have activated running back Aaron Jones from the suspended list and waived cornerback Deante Burton, the club announced today.
Jones, 23, was handed a two-game ban for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy after an October 2017 arrest. A fifth-round pick in last year’s draft, Jones was excellent during his rookie campaign, averaging 5.5 yards per carry on 88 attempts. Among running backs with fewer than 100 carries, Jones finished first in DYAR (a representation of his value over a replacement level player) and second in DVOA (meaning he was effective on a per-play basis), per Football Outsiders.
Jones isn’t coming back to Green Bay as a starter despite his production a season ago. After Jones missed the tail end of the 2017 campaign with an MCL injury, fellow rookie Jamaal Williams took over as the Packers’ workhorse. In total, Williams handled 153 carries an averaged 3.6 yard per carry last year, and has shouldered the load through Green Bay’s first two games this season. With Ty Montgomery also in tow, Jones will be eased back into the club’s offensive gameplan.
Burton played receiver at Kansas State but converted to cornerback upon being signed as a Falcons undrafted free agent in 2017. He played in one game for Atlanta this year before being cut.
Aaron Jones will prove to be the better more complete back
He already did last year.
Right?!? Let’s not play the better guy…I’m already annoyed and it hasn’t happened yet.
McCarthy will screw this up, Jones should be the #1 back, especially considering the QB’s health. He needs all the help he can get. If Jones isn’t the starter by week 5, say adios to coach McCarthy.
Williams has shown to be very adept in pass blocking. That means maybe he’ll end up more than the 3rd down back considering Rodgers knee
McCarthy…does he do much? I mean it’s obviously not Bill Belichick and Tom Brady relationship based upon results. I mean he’s basically a great regular season coach, but who wouldn’t be with Brett Favre and Aaron fricking Rodgers. I’m not saying he should get fired, but I’m saying he’s gotta get to at least 1 Super Bowl in the next 3 years, right?
Dump McCarthy and hire a decent running back