Turner doubtful for Sunday
GREEN BAY - On Tuesday, Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones told NFL Network that his agent was negotiating an extension that would keep him from becoming a 2021 unrestricted free agent.
Now, less than two days before the Packers’ season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, Jones has “no clue” about the status of those discussions. Instead of focusing on a possible extension, the 2017 fifth-round pick is preparing to play in Sunday at Minnesota on his rookie deal.
“We’d love to get that contract done as soon as possible, as anybody would,” Jones said. “I know it’s a process, so I’m just going to wait until it’s my time.”
Jones is not the only running back from his 2017 draft class who has yet to sign an extension. Vikings counterpart Dalvin Cook and his camp had been working toward a deal this offseason, but those talks have stalled. Like Jones, Cook told reporters in Minnesota he is planning on playing in Sunday’s game regardless of whether a new deal is finalized.
Signing young running backs to longterm extensions has become less common in the NFL as players have struggled to replicate success in the years that follow. However, both Cincinnati and Carolina invested in their starting running backs this year; the Bengals signed Joe Mixon to a four-year, $48 million extension on Sept. 1 and the Panthers signed Christian McCaffrey to a four-year, $64 million extension on April 16.
Jones is one of several key players on the Packers’ roster who will hit free agency in March if their contracts are not extended. The team elected to address nose tackle Kenny Clark first, giving him a fouryear, $77.69 million extension Aug. 15. Right tackle David Bakhtiari, cornerback Kevin King and center Corey Linsley are also on the list of 2021 free agents.
After giving his injured right knee a try in practice Thursday, Packers right tackle Billy Turner worked off to the side Friday, leading Packers coach Matt LaFleur to say Turner would be doubtful for the season opener in Minnesota.
Veteran Rick Wagner, who signed a two-year, $11 million deal to join the Packers would seem to be in line to start. He and Turner competed for the position in the truncated training camp but the 30year-old from West Allis injured his left elbow and missed a week of time.
“There were certainly some challenges there,” LaFleur said of the combination of no offseason program and the injury for Wagner. “Anytime you’re not out on the grass and not getting those meaningful reps, it does set you back. But Rick’s a pro, we’ve got a lot of confidence in him, he’s started a lot of games in this league and he’s done it at a high level.”
After Turner originally hurt his knee Aug. 30, second-year left guard Elgton Jenkins took reps at right tackle, and right guard Lane Taylor has played tackle.
Also not seen during the open portion of practice for the team was Montravius Adams. The fourth-year defensive lineman returned to the practice field Wednesday after injuring a toe Aug. 18. He had been listed as participating on a limited basis Wednesday and Thursday.
Outside linebacker Randy Ramsey, out with a groin injury since Aug. 25, remained working out on the side also. The Packers’ Friday injury report listed Ramsey as out for Sunday’s game.