Former Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones enjoyed a productive debut during the Minnesota Vikings’ 28-6 win over the New York Giants in Week 1 on Sunday.
Jones, who was released by the Packers in March, bounced to the outside and raced into the end zone from three yards out to finish off the Vikings’ first touchdown drive of the 2024 season. In typical Jones fashion, he turned a modest number of touches — 16 — into 109 total yards. His 14 rushing attempts gained 94 yards and the score.
“I’m feeling great. This is a great way to start my journey with the Vikings, and as a team, we came and accomplished what we wanted to do,” Jones said post-game, per the team’s official site.
Jones had a 19-yard run and averaged 6.7 yards per attempt. He split time with Ty Chandler, who had eight rushing attempts and three catches.
Josh Jacobs, who replaced Jones as the new starting running back in Green Bay, carried 16 times for 84 yards, caught two passes for 20 yards and finished with 104 total yards during the Packers’ season-opening loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil.
Jacobs and the Packers face off against Jones and the Vikings in three weeks at Lambeau Field.
In other notable plays made by former Packers in the NFC North, safety Jonathan Owens returned a blocked punt for a touchdown as the Chicago Bears came back from 17-0 to beat the Tennessee Titans in Week 1. Owens returned a fumble for a touchdown as a member of the Packers last season.
