Limited activity in Week 5 loss

Jones had seven carries for 40 yards and two receptions for 19 yards in Sunday's loss to the Lions.

Analysis: Jones was explosive on a per-touch basis Sunday, but with the Packers playing catch-up throughout the contest, fellow running backs Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery -- both more effective in the passing game -- saw the bulk of the snaps in the backfield, with Williams on the field for 33 plays, Montgomery 29, and Jones just 22. Jones will have a chance to see more work in Week 6 if the Packers can jump out to a lead against the 1-4 49ers, but the other two backs figure to be involved in some…read more

Very effective again

Jones rushed 11 times for 65 yards and a touchdown while catching his lone target for 17 yards in Sunday's 22-0 home win over Buffalo.

Analysis: Jones averaged a healthy 7.0 yards on six carries in his return from suspension last week, and he kept the good times rolling with 38 more rushing yards than Jamaal Williams on the same number of carries this week. The highlight of his day was a three-yard touchdown in the second quarter. Jones is probably the most gifted running back on the Packers in terms of pure rushing ability, so his role could keep growing in the weeks ahead, starting with the Week 5 matchup against a Lions defense…read more

Solid in return from suspension

Jones (suspension) rushed six times for 42 yards and and brought in his only target for five yards in the Packers' 31-17 loss to the Redskins on Sunday.

Analysis: Jones was supposed to lag behind both Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery in terms of workload in the backfield, but he ended up pacing all backs in rushing touches. While that equated to a modest six carries, Jones looked sharp with them on his way to a 7.0-yard average. With his first taste of game action in 2018 under his belt, he'll look to build up his overall numbers against the Bills in Week 4.

Likely to play limited role Week 3

Head coach Mike McCarthy said Wednesday that Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery "will be in the first slot" among the Packers' running-back group, suggesting Jones may handle a limited role Week 3 against the Redskins, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Williams and Montgomery have combined to average a pedestrian 3.8 yards per carry on 38 totes over the first two weeks of the season, but it appears that won't be enough for Jones to immediately climb above either on the depth chart when he returns from suspension Sunday. Though Jones showcased more explosiveness than Williams as a rookie, the latter's skills as a pass protector and early down and short-yardage grinder appear to have earned him favor with McCarthy. Montgomery, meanwhile, has…read more

Suspension lifted

The NFL lifted Jones' suspension Monday, per the league's official transaction log.

Analysis: Thus concludes Jones' two-game ban for a violation of the NFL's policy on substances of abuse. With Jamaal Wiliams serving as the primary option on the ground game during that time, the Packers ranked 25th in the category with 83.5 rushing yards per game. The team's modest 4.0 yards per carry is actually getting weighed down by Williams' dismal mark of 3.4. There's nowhere to go but up, and Jones can do just that after recording 5.5 YPC and two 100-yard efforts as a rookie last season.

Gets tune-up before suspension

Jones (suspension) took nine carries for 34 yards and a touchdown and caught three of four targets for 21 yards in Thursday's preseason finale against the Chiefs.

Analysis: With Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery both held out, Jones got the start and played into the third quarter. Extended playing time in a preseason finale would normally be a bad sign, but in this case it was just an effort to give Jones some work before he serves a two-game suspension at the beginning of the regular season. Jones could have a sizable role in the Green Bay offense when he returns for Week 3, considering he was easily the team's most explosive runner last season, averaging 5.5…read more

Replaces Montgomery

Jones (suspension) took five carries for 18 yards and didn't get any targets in Friday's preseason game against the Raiders.

Analysis: Ty Montgomery was one of the few key veterans to suit up for the Green Bay offense, and he was removed before the end of the first quarter due to a foot injury. Jones then took over the backfield in his first game appearance since last season, finally proving his health after battling a hamstring injury for about three weeks. The Green Bay backfield is full of moving parts, with Jones suspended for the first two games and projected Week 1 starter Jamaal Williams nursing a minor ankle injury.…read more

Gets first-team reps

Jones (hamstring, suspension) handled first-team reps at Monday's practice, Michael Cohen of The Athletic Wisconsin reports.

Analysis: Jones has been in recovery mode since the outset of training camp due to a hamstring injury, which has kept him out of both Packers exhibitions to date. Taking reps with the starters is a great sign that he's trending toward game action Friday in Oakland. The appearance likely would be his last until Week 3 of the regular season, which he'll kick off with a two-game suspension. During that time, Green Bay's backfield will be composed of Jamaal Williams (ankle) and Ty Montgomery.

Could play Friday

Coach Mike McCarthy is hopeful Jones (hamstring, suspension) will be ready for a little bit of playing time in Friday's preseason game against Oakland, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Already dealing with the weight of an impending two-game suspension, Jones was handed another setback when he injured his hamstring within the first few days of training camp. He still hasn't played in a preseason game or managed full participation in a practice, but it sounds as if McCarthy expects both of those things to happen this week. In other Green Bay running back news, Jamaal Williams (ankle) is expected to be a limited participant in practice this week after making an early exit from…read more

Out Thursday

Jones (hamstring, suspension) won't play in Thursday's game against Pittsburgh, Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette reports.

Analysis: Jones warmed up before Thursday's game but he won't see the field at all as he recovers from a hamstring injury. Look for Jamal Williams and Ty Montgomery to handle the first and second-team reps with Jones out.

Potentially playing Thursday

Jones (hamstring, suspension) is suited up for Thursday's preseason contest against the Steelers, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Analysis: Jones didn't turn in a full practice in advance of this game due to a hamstring injury that his lingered from training camp into the preseason slate. As a result, he may merely go through pre-game warmups before residing on the sideline thereafter with the rest of the scratched players. If he doesn't suit up, the backfield will again be the domain of Jamaal Williams, Ty Montgomery, Joel Bouagnon and Akeem Judd.

Still limited at practice

Jones (hamstring, suspension) was a limited practice participant Monday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Jones initially thought he'd only miss a few days of practice, but he ended up sitting out for two weeks and didn't play in Thursday's preseason opener against Tennessee. He finally made it back to practice Sunday and Monday, albeit as a limited participant. Already facing a two-game suspension to open the season, Jones is missing out on a valuable chance to prove he's deserving of a key role beginning Week 3. Jamaal Williams had 24 yards and a touchdown on six touches in the preseason opener,…read more

Back at practice

Jones (hamstring) participated in practice Sunday, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Analysis: Absent from practice for more than two weeks due to a hamstring injury, Jones appears ready to reenter the battle for backfield touches. While he'll miss the first two games of the season due to a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy, he'll be a part of a committee, at least, with Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery once Week 3 of the regular season rolls around.

Still not practicing

Jones (hamstring, suspension) isn't practicing Friday, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Analysis: Jones expected to return by Thursday but will instead miss a full week of practice. Already facing a two-game suspension to begin the season, Jones needs to get on the practice field to make his case for a role in the Green Bay backfield upon returning in Week 3. His absence has allowed Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery to dominate first-team reps in training camp, though Jones still has time to make some noise during the preseason.

Expecting quick return

Jones (hamstring, suspension) expects to be back at practice by Thursday, Michael Cohen of The Athletic Wisconsin reports.

Analysis: Jones confirmed his injury isn't serious, even saying he would be able to play in a game if the Packers had one Monday. He still has plenty of time to make his case for a role in what figures to be a committee backfield, after watching Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery handle most of the first-team work early in camp. Jones should be be busy during the preseason, but he'll start the regular season with a two-game suspension stemming from a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy.

Still absent from practice

Jones (hamstring, suspension) won't practice Monday, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Analysis: Packers coach Mike McCarthy declined to provide a timeline, simply stating that Jones will miss at least one more practice while recovering from a hamstring injury that was first reported Saturday. The second-year back is facing a two-game suspension to start the season, but he could have a key role beginning Week 3 if he makes a strong impression over the next month. Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery will duke it out for the Week 1 starting job.

Suffers hamstring injury

Jones (suspension) was absent from Saturday's practice due to a tight hamstring, Jason Wilde of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Jones' chances of staking a claim to the Packers backfield have taken significant hits in the month of July. First, he was handed a two-game suspension for an October traffic stop in which he avoided legal punishment with a plea deal, but it was considered a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy. Jones will bookend the month with a health concern of unknown severity. During his absence, Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery will continue to battle for slotting at running back, which is of…read more

Receives two-game suspension

Jones was suspended two games Tuesday for a violation of the NFL's substance abuse policy, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: On Oct. 1 of last year, the rookie running back was pulled over for speeding, and the ensuing traffic stop brought with it charges of driving without a valid license and operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in his system. The latter allegation stemmed from the smell of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Despite wrapping up his legal woes with a plea deal March 1, Jones was a prime candidate to earn a suspension for running afoul. While Jones takes a seat Weeks 1 and 2 of the upcoming…read more

Jones focused on adding muscle to his lower body during the offseason, Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com reports. "I'm bigger all around," Jones said. "That's something that's going to help me in pass protection and that's something I want to get better at."

Analysis: Jones easily led Packers running backs last season with 5.5 yards per carry, but MCL injuries in both knees limited him to just 23 touches in six games after a Week 8 bye. He seems to have recovered in time for full participation throughout the offseason, so the Packers will enter training camp with Jones, Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery all healthy. In addition to helping him in pass protection, Jones believes the added strength will improve his durability and make him tougher to tackle.…read more

Jones (knee) was on the field for the first round for OTAs, Mike Spofford of Packers.com reports.

Analysis: Jones missed Week 17 of his rookie season with an MCL sprain, but there hasn't been any suggestion the injury impacted his offseason preparation. With Ty Montgomery also taking the field last week, the Packers appear to have all their running backs healthy as they begin the process to sort out roles. Jamaal Williams is also in the mix, though he and Montgomery both fell shy of four yards per carry last season, whereas Jones averaged 5.5 on 81 totes. Jones may face a fine or suspension from the…read more

Jones (knee) pleaded no contest Wednesday to one of the three charges from a traffic stop on Oct. 1, Jeff Bollier of USA Today reports.

Analysis: In the midst of his rookie campaign, Jones was thrust into the justice system, with the most serious charge a citation for driving with a controlled substance (marijuana) in his system. As part of a plea deal, the other two charges were dropped, with Jones receiving a six-month suspension of his license, an order to pay a fine and court costs, and an ultimatum to undergo an alcohol assessment. With his legal woes behind him, there's a possibility the NFL weighs in with a fine, suspension or…read more

Will not play this week

Jones (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Lions.

Analysis: The extent of the knee injury Jones suffered in Week 16 is still not entirely certain, but it has prevented him from practicing this week and will sideline him for the Packers' regular-season finale. Jones finishes his rookie season with a pedestrian 448 yards, but he will be a player to keep in mind heading into fantasy drafts in 2018. He averaged a healthy 5.5 yards per carry and proved capable of handling lead-back duties several times during the campaign.

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said that Jones (knee) wouldn't practice Wednesday and is likely to sit out Sunday's game against the Lions, Michael Cohen of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Analysis: It was widely assumed that Jones would have a tough time making it back on the field for the season finale after suffering an MCL sprain in his left knee in the Week 16 loss to the Vikings. Jones dealt with a similar injury to his right knee earlier in his rookie campaign and missed two games, so the Packers appear poised to proceed with Jamaal Williams as their lead runner in Week 17. McCarthy also noted that Devante Mays, who hasn't logged any offensive snaps in the Packers' last five games,…read more

Looks unlikely for season finale

Jones (knee) appears unlikely to play in the Packers' Week 17 game against the Lions, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Jones was diagnosed with a left MCL sprain after departing Saturday's 16-0 loss to the Vikings in the second quarter. McCarthy confirmed Sunday that the injury was similar to the one that sidelined Jones for two games earlier this season, so the rookie seems unlikely to recover in time to suit up for a mostly meaningless finale. Jones' expected absence against Detroit should leave Jamaal Williams to handle the bulk of the touches out of the backfield, with fellow tailback Devante Mays and…read more

Jones injured the MCL in his left knee during Saturday's defeat to the Vikings, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: During a media session Sunday, head coach Mike McCarthy touched on Jones' health, noting he suffered a similar knee injury to the MCL sprain from Week 10. Only this time, Jones' left knee is bothering him, instead of the right one. The previous issue forced a two-game absence, so Jones' rookie year seems to be in peril. Expect clarification on his status in the coming days, but Jamaal Williams is poised to be the unquestioned lead back if Jones is shut down for the season finale.

Jones is slated for an MRI on the knee injury that forced him from Saturday's loss to the Vikings, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Upon his removal in the second quarter, Jones yielded the entire backfield to fellow rookie Jamaal Williams. The upcoming examination likely will have a bearing on Jones' standing for Week 17. If caution reigns and he takes a seat, Devante Mays will act as Williams' sole backup in the season finale.

Jones (knee) is out for the rest of Saturday's game against the Vikings.

Analysis: With Jones out, fellow rookie Jamaal Williams will likely play a hefty majority of the snaps in Green Bay's backfield. Jones will finish the game with three carries for 13 yards.

Jones is questionable to return to Saturday's game versus the Vikings due to a knee injury.

Analysis: Jones' last touch before the announcement occurred on a six-yard run on the final play of the first quarter. If he's unable to reenter the contest, he'll finish with three carries for 13 yards. Expect Jamaal Williams to receive nearly all the running back reps in the meantime.

Jones rushed three times for 47 yards and brought in one of two targets for six yards in Sunday's 31-24 loss to the Panthers.

Analysis: Jones' three rushing touches lagged considerably behind Jamaal Williams' 10 totes, but given Jones' success on a per-carry basis in two of the last three games, the division of labor between the two backs could start to slightly shift. Jones has proven to be the much more explosive of the two over the course of the season, with five rushes of over 20 yards -- including one over 40 -- and a pair of 100-yard efforts. The rookie will look to stake a greater claim to rushing opportunities against…read more

Jones lost two yards on four carries in Sunday's 27-21 overtime win in Cleveland.

Analysis: Jones didn't get a touch until overtime the previous week but promptly converted it into a 20-yard touchdown to end the game. There were no such heroics this time around, as Jones barely saw the field while working behind Jamaal Williams, who had 15 carries, seven receptions, 118 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. Jones likely will have to settle for a handful of touches or less in a Week 15 road game against Carolina, as the Packers clearly are pleased with Williams' handling of a massive…read more

Jones (knee) rushed once for a 20-yard touchdown to seal Sunday's 26-20 overtime win against the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Jones' game-winning 20-yard scoring scamper was his only touch of the afternoon in his return from a two-game absence due to the knee injury he'd suffered against the Bears in Week 10. Jamaal Williams has done an increasingly impressive job as the Packers' bell-cow back over the last trio of contests, topping out with a career-high 113 rushing yards Sunday. Therefore, expect Jones to serve in a complementary role alongside his fellow rookie for the foreseeable future.

Will make return Week 13

Jones (knee) is active Sunday against the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Jones will suit up following a two-week absence, making his return on the early end of the originally proposed 3-to-6 week timetable. Fantasy owners counting on Jones to aid their playoff push may want to temper expectations, however, as according to Adam Schefter of ESPN, he is expected to take a secondary role in the backfield to Jamaal Williams. It has been Williams who has carried the load in the absence of Jones and Ty Montgomery (ribs), as the fellow rookie back has seen 82 percent or…read more

Expected to play Sunday

Jones (knee) is expected to play Sunday against Tampa Bay, but Jamaal Williams is expected to still get most of the playing time, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Jones was a limited practice participant all week, which, combined with this report, suggests he will be active. However, it's not clear how much he'll play and he will likely be a risky fantasy option give Williams' current status.

Questionable to return

Jones (knee) remained limited at Friday's practice and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Analysis: Jones was listed as a limited practice participant each day this week, suggesting he has a shot to return at the very front end of his initial timetable (3-to-6 weeks). Jamaal Williams seemingly has done enough to stay involved in the offense regardless of his teammates' health, but his workload would still figure to take a major hit if Jones were to make it back on the field. With Ty Montgomery (ribs) already ruled out, the Packers hope Jones can end his string of absences at just two weeks,…read more

Jones (knee) was listed as a limited participant in Thursday's practice, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Analysis: Though Jones carries the same injury designation as he did Wednesday, it's believed that the rookie saw more involvement Thursday in what head coach Mike McCarthy termed a "trial return" ahead of the session. Even so, Jones ended up taking part in few of the drills that were conducted in front of the media, according to Silverstein. There's still hope that Jones will be able to return from a two-game absence due to the MCL sprain to play Sunday against the Buccaneers, but he would likely be…read more

Taking part in team drills Thursday

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy said that Jones (knee) would take part in team drills Thursday in what he labeled a "trial return" for the running back, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: While McCarthy's comments would seemingly suggest Jones will be able to do a little more Thursday after being listed as a limited participant Wednesday, it's still possible that the rookie will be shielded from full contact, which could prevent him from putting in a full practice. Nonetheless, it appears Jones may have a realistic shot at returning from the left knee sprain and suiting up Sunday against the Buccaneers, though he may be eased back into the mix in a supplementary role behind…read more

Jones (knee) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Considering Jones was expected to be a part of the rehab group Wednesday, the development is an interesting one as he works his way past a sprained MCL in his left knee. After suffering the injury Nov. 12, he was handed a recovery timetable of 3-to-6 weeks, so he's clearly trending toward a shorter absence. Whether a return is possible Sunday against the Buccaneers won't be determined until the end of the week. When healthy, Jones has been quite productive with his 70 rushes this season, pacing…read more

Jones (knee) was limited to rehab work Wednesday, but the Packers still hope to have him back at practice by the end of the week, Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette reports.

Analysis: Jones' timeline was estimated at 3-to-6 weeks when he was first diagnosed with a sprained MCL after exiting early in a Week 10 win over the Bears. He'll be three weeks removed from the injury when the Packers face the Buccaneers on Sunday, and while Week 14 in Cleveland is probably the more likely return date, Jones could have a shot to avoid any further missed time if he's back at practice Thursday or Friday. Ty Montgomery (ribs) was also with the rehab group at Wednesday's practice,…read more

Jones (knee) will start Week 13 prep in the rehab group with the potential for a return to practice Wednesday, Michael Cohen of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Analysis: According to head coach Mike McCarthy, drills will be on the docket for Jones "if things go well" after testing out the sprained MCL in his left knee. If the preceding comes to pass, Jones will likely have to make a decent amount of progress to gain clearance to play from the conservative Packers medical team. No matter, the offense could soon have a two-headed rookie monster at running back between Jones and Jamaal Williams. Elsewhere in the backfield, Ty Montgomery continues his recovery from…read more

Jones (knee) has a final pre-trial hearing scheduled for Feb. 1 on account of multiple charges stemming from an Oct. 1 traffic stop, Michael Cohen of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Analysis: Jones pleaded not guilty to speeding, driving without a valid license and operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in his system. The latter count was included after a Wisconsin state trooper smelled marijuana emanating from the vehicle. The preceding news won't impact Jones' availability this season as the NFL waits for the legal process to play out before levying any sort of punishment. That said, Jones is in the midst of a 3-to-6-week recovery due to an MCL sprain in his left knee, so…read more

Multi-week injury confirmed

Packers head coach Mike McCarthy confirmed Monday that Jones' left MCL sprain is considered a "multiple-week" injury, with the team subsequently ruling the running back out for Sunday's game against the Ravens, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.

Analysis: Adam Schefter of ESPN previously reported that Jones' knee injury would likely sideline him for 3-to-6 weeks, making it highly probable that the rookie will miss additional time beyond Sunday's home date with Baltimore. Along with Jones, Ty Montgomery (ribs) also exited the Week 10 win over the Bears early with an injury, resulting in No. 3 back Jamaal Williams finishing out the contest as the team's lead runner with 20 carries for 67 yards. Since Montgomery is recovering from his second injury…read more

Likely out 3-6 weeks

Jones is expected to miss 3-6 weeks with an MCL injury, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Jones and Ty Montgomery (ribs) were both knocked out of Sunday's 23-16 win over the Bears, leaving Jamaal Williams and fullback Aaron Ripkowski as the only options in the backfield. Devante Mays is also on the roster but was inactive for Sunday's game, and he could step into a meaningful role if Montgomery is unable to play Sunday against the Ravens. Montgomery and Jones had been splitting work, with the latter getting most of the carries and the former getting most of the passing-down snaps.…read more

Jones may have sprained the MCL in his left knee during Sunday's 23-16 victory at Chicago, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: The Packers will be more certain about the diagnosis after Monday's MRI, but Jones is expected to be absent for some length of time. The backfield is rife with injuries at the moment, as Ty Montgomery was also forced out of Sunday's game due to another rib injury. If it's indeed an aggravation of the broken ribs from earlier this season, both Montgomery and Jones could be sidelined simultaneously. In such a reality, the Packers would likely ride Jamaal Williams, with fellow rookie Devante Mays…read more

Jones (knee) has been ruled out of Sunday's game in Chicago.

Analysis: When a player is carted off the field, getting clearance to return is never guaranteed. With a limp in tow, Jones is set for testing on his left knee to determine the precise nature of the ailment. Expect Ty Montgomery to see an uptick in reps, but Jamaal Williams is a candidate to receive work out of the backfield as well.

Jones is questionable to return to Sunday's game at Chicago due to a knee injury.

Analysis: After the Packers' initial drive, Jones' left leg was experiencing a significant limp, and he was eventually carted to the locker room, according to Michael Cohen of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Jones' odds to return are up in the air, but in the meantime, Ty Montgomery and Jamaal Williams will combine to lead the backfield.

Jones and Ty Montgomery will continue to work as part of a committee at running back, with the rookie handling most of the early down work while Montgomery earns most of the third-down snaps, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: While there wasn't much for the Packers to be pleased about in Monday's 30-17 loss to the Lions, head coach Mike McCarthy said he was happy about the division of work between Jones and Montgomery. Game flow shifted the playing time in Montgomery's favor, limiting Jones to his lowest snap share (34 percent) and carry total (five) since he first earned a role in the offense. The likelihood of a more competitive contest Week 10 against the Bears should swing things back in Jones' favor, at least…read more