James Jones, James Starks Injury Updates

Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones (89) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 22-9. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Green Bay Packers key starting WR James Jones is not expected to play this week against the Minnesota Vikings, but it’s still not out of the question despite the fact that most PCL sprains take at least another week to recover from. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Tom Silverstein reports that Jones did not practice today, and it would take a surprising turn of events for him to play this week. It’s still the first day of practice so no finite conclusions can be made, but it would definitely be surprising to see Jones suit up this week.

The emergence of Jarrett Boykin as a legitimate target for Aaron Rodgers makes it all the more imprudent for the Packers to play Jones this week, and it’s always unwise to rush a guy like Jones back from a knee injury in the middle of the season. He’s been excellent this season with nearly 350 receiving yards and two touchdowns, but they need to make sure that they don’t put a player of his caliber at risk for a setback later on.

Packers running back James Starks has been dealing with a knee injury since Week 3, and he’s been steadily getting closer to returning from the sprain. This week was tabbed as the week for Starks to make his return as a backup RB, and the Green Bay Press-Gazette’s Mike Vandermause reports that Starks has returned to practice today. Eddie Lacy is 100% locked in as the Packers feature back, but Starks has some talent and could vulture some carries from Lacy this week. It’s good to hear that Starks is back on the practice field, and he has a legit shot at suiting up against the Vikes this week.

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