The Green Bay Packers haven’t had their projected starting offense on the field together for even a single snap this season. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like that is going to be changing any time soon.
The Packers have been missing at least one starter from their offense in each of their first two games of the season. Wide receiver Christian Watson has missed both contests with a hamstring injury.
Running back Aaron Jones joined him on the sidelines for Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons along with left tackle David Bakhtiari. Jones was dealing with a hamstring injury while Bakhtiari’s knee was acting up. Left guard Elgton Jenkins will now be sidelined because of an MCL injury suffered in Week 2 as well.
This is certainly not what the Packers had in mind when preparing for the first season with Jordan Love under center. The entire left side of their offensive line could be missing in Week 3, as well as their star running back.
According to Rob Demovsky of ESPN, the practice week is not off to an encouraging start for Jones. He was absent from the practice field when the players were taking part in individual drills, which isn’t a good start to the week. On a positive note, Watson did take part in individual drills and rookie Lukas Van Ness was also participating.
Being without Jones proved to be a major detriment to the Packers offense. His dual-threat ability was impossible to replace as they lacked the big play presence he brings to the field. It didn’t help that his backup, AJ Dillon, struggled, gaining 55 yards on 15 carries and catching one pass for eight yards.
Hopefully, Jones will be able to improve and get in some limited work in practice this week. The Packers’ offense is going to need all hands on deck going up against a very stout New Orleans Saints defense that has held opponents to 20 points or fewer in 10 consecutive games.
