“I got to smell the end zone": Aaron Jones makes his feelings known on facing his former team Packers

Aaron Jones will return to Lambeau Field on Sunday when the Minnesota Vikings take on the Green Bay in a Week 12 matchup. The running back started his NFL career with the Packers after the team drafted him at No. 182 in 2017. He joined the Vikings last year.

Jones shared his thoughts about playing against his former team and in front of the fans who cheered for him for seven years.

"I think I'm more excited about it this year than I was last year because I didn't get in last year," Jones told reporters on Wednesday. "So, I got to smell the end zone. Find a way to make it happen one way or another, and then get my leap in, in regulation instead of after."

During the Week 5 matchup against Green Bay in 2024, Jones carried 22 times for 93 yards and caught four passes for 46 yards. However, he failed to reach the end zone.

While the Vikings dominated the first half and won 31-29, Jones was denied the opportunity to execute the "Lambeau leap" celebration as a visiting player.

Jones finished with 5,940 rushing yards (third-highest in franchise history) and 45 touchdowns during his seven seasons with the Packers.

Minnesota (4-6) is in a must-win situation to keep its playoff hopes alive.

Aaron Jones' injury concerns in 2025

Aaron Jones has missed multiple games this season due to injuries, and Minnesota struggled without the veteran running back. He entered the season as a key member of the Vikings ground attack after posting career-high rushing numbers in 2024. However, injury concerns have plagued him throughout his career.

Jones got off to a promising start this year. He recorded 23 rushing yards, 44 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown in the Week 1 victory over the Chicago Bears. But Jones' momentum was halted during the matchup versus the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 14. The running back suffered a hamstring injury in the second quarter and was forced to exit early with just five carries for 23 yards.

The Vikings placed Jones on injured reserve two days later, requiring him to miss at least four games. They activated him on Oct. 23 ahead of the Week 8 game against the LA Chargers.

Jones recorded five carries for 15 yards and two receptions for 15 yards in the 37-10 loss. He got back on track in Week 11 versus the Chicago Bears, amassing a season-high 16 carries for 70 yards. Jones combined with Jordan Mason for 115 rushing yards.