James Jones Injury: Green Bay Packers think WR will likely play
Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones (89) misses a pass as Detroit Lions cornerback Chris Houston (23) looks on during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones is set to be a game-time decision for tomorrow night’s rivalry game against the Chicago Bears, and he is listed questionable on the team’s official injury report after practicing yesterday. Jones also practiced on Friday, but he didn’t seem too optimistic when asked about his chances of playing. It sounds like he was just being coy and not revealing anything, though, because ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Packers “believe” that Jones will “likely” face the Bears tomorrow.
Jones sprained his PCL in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens, and it looked like the Packers really dodged a bullet. His injury looked a lot more severe than “just” a PCL sprain, so that was definitely good news. The Packers have been able to survive injuries to Randall Cobb (short-term I.R., injured in same game) and star TE Jermichael Finley, thanks to the fact that Aaron Rodgers is such a beast, Jordy Nelson is an elite WR, and Jarrett Boykin has risen up to the challenge (he looked like a liability in Week 6, but those who have followed Boykin closely know that he has always had plenty of talent).
It’s great to hear that Jones is expected to play on Monday night, and I wonder if the Packers will limit him in any way. He’s still a game-time decision and far from a lock to play, though, but we’ll learn more about Jones as reports continue to surface heading into tomorrow night’s game. Schefter’s report is certainly encouraging, and we’ll see if the Packers are able to jump out to an early lead against the Cutler-less Bears; this would allow them to rest up Jones on the bench for the remainder of the contest.
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