It was a joyous occasion for the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon. In quarterback Jordan Love's debut as QB1, the Packers absolutely dismantled the Chicago Bears 38-20. However, a late injury to running back Aaron Jones threatened to end the day on a sour note. Thankfully, the Pro Bowler appears to have avoided catastrophe. Despite exiting the game after seemingly injuring his hamstring and never returning, Jones assured the media that he was feeling fine.
Aaron Jones says he felt his hamstring bite at end of his touchdown catch. He pulled his hamstring before. He says it was nowhere near that bad.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) September 11, 2023
Jones didn’t return, but he says score had lot to do with it. He could have if needed, he says.
Jones was arguably the star of the game, leading the Packers in rushing (41 yards) and receiving (86 yards). His two third-quarter touchdowns extended the Packers' lead from 10-6 to 24-6 and essentially put the game out of reach.
Jones' good health going forward should be a huge boon for a Packers squad desperate for established stardom at the skill positions. Jones has eclipsed 1000 yards from scrimmage in each of the past four seasons and is the only Packers runner or pass catcher with a Pro Bowl on his resume. His skill as a receiver out of the backfield (1615 receiving yards and 6.0 yards per target from 2019-2022) should provide much-needed security for Love, who only had one career start entering this season.
So long as Jones is alright, the Packers can revel in an exhilarating win. Uncertainty clouded the team following the transition from four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers to the unproven Love; the Packers actually entered today's game 1.5-point underdogs against the Bears. Now, with a blowout road win under their belt, Packers fans can look ahead to an exciting 2023 season.
Photo Credit: © Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
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