Tuesday Cheese Curds: Packers prepare to work Aaron Jones, Eric Stokes back into key roles

The two players are expected to return to game action soon, but they should have very different roles

In the case of Aaron Jones, the Green Bay Packers cannot wait to get him back on the field. The veteran running back is easily the most critical skill position player on the offense, and his presence generally unlocks both the run and passing games. His versatility, burst, and vision have been sorely missed over the past several weeks, and the Packers surely cannot wait to get him back at full strength to help jump-start a middling offense.

Meanwhile, Eric Stokes is getting set to return from a more long-term injury, and like Jones, he practiced on Monday. Whether he will be reactivated this week or next remains to be seen, as does what sort of role he will play once he does return.

Will Stokes go right back into the starting lineup on the boundary? That seems unlikely; instead, it is more probable that the Packers will begin working him back in gradually. But as a player who plays exclusive boundary cornerback, there would be few opportunities for him to get on the field unless the Packers move one of their current outside starters into the slot at times. That might well happen, though, given that Keisean Nixon, while talented, is still a bit of a wild card in the slot.

In any case, the Packers hope that these players’ ability to suit up in practice on Monday will be a good sign for them returning to game action on Sunday in Denver. We’ll just have to follow along this week to see if that comes to fruition.

Will return of veteran Aaron Jones jump-start young Packers offense? – ESPN
There’s no doubt that Jones’ absence has affected the Packers’ offense, but the rushing attack isn’t the only thing that needs to improve.

How will Packers integrate Eric Stokes once 2021 first-round cornerback returns? – The Athletic ($)
It’s a bit tough to figure out exactly what happens when Stokes does come back, but one strong possibility is the Packers using Rasul Douglas more in the slot, which has been Keisean Nixon’s area since Stokes got hurt last season.

Packers Monday Injury Report: Two Starters Out After Bye But Aaron Jones Returns – Sports Illustrated
Everyone except for De’Vondre Campbell and Quay Walker practiced on Monday, a good sign for the team getting closer to full strength.

Here’s one thing the Packers did superbly through first 5 games | Packers Wire
The group of Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, Kenny Clark, and Devonte Wyatt have been tremendously productive in rushing the passer as a unit. Those four have been together on the field for just 19 snaps, however, but they have recorded six sacks on those opportunities.

2024 NFL Draft order: Bears holding top two picks thanks to trade | NFL.com
The Packers currently sit with pick #7, while the Bears’ move back last year has them in position to draft #1 and #2.

Cat accused of wiping US Veteran Affairs server info after jumping on keyboard • The Register
Anyone who has had a cat can imagine this exact scenario — because something similar (albeit on a smaller scale) has probably happened to them as well.