Report: Aaron Jones, Christian Watson expected to play vs. Detroit on TNF

The Green Bay Packers will have a huge boost to the lineup on Thursday Night Football against the Detroit Lions. Running back Aaron Jones and wide receiver Christian Watson are both expected to play tonight, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, despite being listed as questionable on the final injury report.

Although both of the Packers playmakers will reportedly be active for the game on Thursday, Green Bay isn’t expected to give them full workloads.

In Week 1’s win over the Bears, Jones had nine carries for 41 yards and a touchdown before exiting the game with a hamstring injury. He ended up missing Weeks 2 and 3 as he recovered.

Last season, the former fifth-rounder out of UTEP posted 213 carries and a career-high of 1,121 rushing yards.

Without Jones in the lineup against the Atlanta Falcons, AJ Dillon led the Packers running backs with 15 carries for 55 yards. Against the Saints, Dillon added another 33 yards on 11 carries but it was Jordan Love that led in total rushing yards with 39 and a touchdown run.

Watson, who finished second on the team in receiving yards last season, hasn’t played yet this season. Last year, he posted 611 yards on 41 catches with eight touchdowns.

Leading the Green Bay receivers in Watson’s absence are Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs. Reed has 148 yards on nine receptions while Doubs has 129 yards on 11 catches. The duo has combined for five touchdowns so far this year.

On Sunday, Jordan Love led the Packers to a huge comeback victory 18-17 over the Saints. He completed 22-of-44 passes for 259 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Kickoff for Thursday Night Football between the Lions and Packers is set for 8:15 p.m. ET.

Lions without David Montgomery vs. Packers

The Detroit Lions won’t have to rely solely on rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs this week as lead back David Montgomery is expected to be back for Thursday night against the Packers. Montgomery missed the Lions’ game against the Falcons in Week 3 as he recovered from a thigh injury.

Gibbs led the Detroit running backs on Sunday with 17 carries for 80 yards, including a long run of 21 yards. The Lions took home the victory 20-6 to move to 2-1 on the year.

Prior to his injury, Montgomery had a team-high 38 touches for 148 yards from scrimmage and two scores.