Cheese Curds, 7/5: Packers’ backfield won’t suffer too much after Jones’ suspension

The Green Bay Packers are losing their most explosive running back for the first two games of the 2018 season, as Aaron Jones received a two-game suspension from the NFL. However, despite Jones certainly being the team’s most explosive running back, the team shouldn’t suffer too much without him in the short term.

Even with Jones available, Jamaal Williams and Ty Montgomery were expected to see significant playing time. Montgomery in particular has had great success against the Bears in recent years; he had his big breakout as a running back against them late in 2016 and he broke a long touchdown run in Chicago again in 2017. Williams, meanwhile, posted about 70 rushing yards in his lone start against the Bears.

Where the Packers will miss Jones more is probably in week two against the Minnesota Vikings. A quick, explosive runner could be just what the doctor ordered against the excellent Vikings defense. However, Montgomery might be due for more action there to create mismatches in the backfield and the slot.

Ultimately, Jones should reclaim a big role in the backfield upon his return, but the Packers should still be very much able to soldier on without him for a pair of contests early on.

Here’s a look at Jones’ suspension and some more news from around the league.

Explaining why Packers RB Aaron Jones was suspended 2 games | Packers Wire
A positive test for marijuana probably wouldn't have come with a suspension for Jones. However, because law enforcement was involved -- and perhaps because he was driving with pot in his system rather than simply being cited for possession like Geronimo Allison a year ago -- he got the two-game ban.

Timing finally right for Packers and Joey Mbu | Packers.com
Mbu met with the Packers twice prior to his signing a few weeks ago, once before the 2015 NFL Draft and again in 2016 after being cut by the Falcons at the end of training camp. Now he's finally a Packer after all, and he was happy to at least have minicamp to start learning the defense.

Not even an exuberant Brett Favre could crack referee Bill Carollo’s integrity | Packersnews.com
Do you remember the week 17 game in 2003? Favre was running up the field with Carollo during Ahman Green’s 98-yard touchdown run, trying to get the referee to high-five him for 50 yards. Now the Milwaukee native is being honored by the National Association of Sports Officials.

Terrell Owens will give Hall of Fame speech at alma mater UT-Chattanooga - SBNation.com
This is an interesting decision here for Owens, but it makes some sense when you look at it from his admittedly hot-headed perspective: Chattanooga embraced him when nobody else would, while the Hall took longer than it probably should have to let him in.

2018 college football season: Top 10 wide receivers to watch - NFL.com
The Packers are of course hoping for quick development from their three wideout draft picks in the 2018 Draft, but if they don't pan out one of these guys might be in play next spring.

Police: Man accused in bank robbery nabbed while wearing wig - San Antonio Express-News
Much in the way that you need more than just glasses for an effective disguise (looking at you, Clark Kent), just wearing a wig probably won't keep people from identifying you.