Matt LaFleur sounds alarm on former Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones before opener against Vikings
· Yahoo Sports
The Green Bay Packers will begin their 2026 campaign with a divisional matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, setting up an important Week 1 test on the road. As Green Bay prepares for the opener, the coaching staff will also have to account for a familiar face from the team’s past when putting together its defensive game plan.
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Packers head coach Matt LaFleur recently cautioned his team about a familiar opponent, pointing out that former Green Bay running back Aaron Jones remains a dangerous player.
“I think he’s still quite the guy. Yes, he’s got more wear and tear, but the guy’s a dynamic player, a dynamic person and can really hurt you,” the Packers head coach commented via NFL insider Ryan Wood.
The 31-year-old entered the NFL with Green Bay as a fifth round selection in the 2017 draft. He remained with the Packers for seven seasons before leaving the organization and joining the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.
Aaron Jones’ resurgence after leaving the Green Bay Packers
Nov 13, 2022; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) looks to flip the football to running back Aaron Jones (33) during the third quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY SportsJones appeared to be slowing down during his final season in Green Bay, recording just 656 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 142 carries across 11 games. His move to Minnesota, however, marked a major change in his production.
The former Packers running back found a second wind after joining Minnesota in 2024, putting together one of the strongest seasons of his career. He finished with 1,138 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 255 carries while adding another 408 yards and two scores as a receiver.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 19: Head coach Matt Lafleur of the Green Bay Packers and head coach Jonathan Gannon of the Arizona Cardinals talk before a game at State Farm Stadium on October 19, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Green Bay’s new defensive system under Jonathan Gannon will face its first major challenge right away against Minnesota. With Kevin O’Connell’s offense built around an effective ground attack, containing the Vikings’ rushing game should be one of Gannon’s primary objectives in Week 1.
The Packers defense will get an early look at how well Jonathan Gannon’s new system can handle a familiar NFC North opponent. Jones and Minnesota’s rushing attack could play a major role in that matchup, making the Vikings’ ground game an important area for the Packers to address in the opener.