AJ Dillon desperately wants back on the field. Problem is, the Packers running back broke his thumb on the final offensive drive in Monday’s loss against the Giants.
His right thumb made contact with a helmet. Now, the fourth-year Packers back wants to figure out how to see the field and how much a bad thumb threatens ball security. And, if he plays now, does he risk further injury that’ll impact his season later. It’s all going through his head this week.
“If it’s hurt, am I making it a bigger issue than it is down the road?” Dillon told reporters. “And the next question is will I be able to positively impact the team with me being out there? We’ve got some days left in the week and those are some questions I’ve got to figure out myself. If I can go, I’m going to go. I’ve played through some stuff in the past over the years where I’m hurting but obviously good enough to go. I try to be out there if I can. That doesn’t change.”
On Tuesday, X-rays revealed the fracture. Dillon missed Thursday’s practice. The Packers did not work out, Wednesday. But the Green Bay injury report estimated he would’ve missed that workout as well.
The Packers probably can absorb the loss of Dillion so long as they get back Aaron Jones, who has missed the last three games with a knee injury. Dillon carried the ball 47 times for 166 yards in the three games Jones missed. But Jones believes he can play Sunday.
Earning a spot in the playoffs is the goal. And the Packers are on the verge. They’ll play host to the Tampa Bay Bucs this Sunday at Lambeau Field. The Bucs currently own the fourth seed in the projected playoff bracket. That’s because Tampa (6-7) is winning the NFC South. Meanwhile, the Packers also are 6-7. They’re the seventh and final seed if the season ended today. The Lions are leading the NFC North, with the Vikings also ahead of the Packers in the playoff seedings. The two teams meet again New Year’s Eve.
Jones feels optimistic about playing against the Bucs. He practiced Thursday, but the Packers listed him as limited.
“I’m feeling a lot better,” Jones told reporters, Thursday. “Got to move around today in practice and making great strides. So, I’m going to take it day-by-day, but I feel I’m confident for Sunday.”
The Packers do have contingency plans if neither running back can play. They recently added Patrick Taylor to the roster, Practice squadder Kenyan Drake also could see action.
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