Aaron Jones, Clark, Matthews active for Packers vs. Buccaneers
Tom Silverstein
GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers will be without rookie cornerback Kevin King, but otherwise will be as close to full strength as they've been in awhile.
Running back Aaron Jones, nose tackle Kenny Clark and linebacker Clay Matthews are all active for the Buccaneers game.
Jones will be making his first appearance since tearing his MCL against Chicago three weeks ago. He leads the team with 370 yards rushing and was averaging 5.3 yards per carry when he got hurt.
Rookie Jamaal Williams is still expected to receive the bulk of the work. Williams had 25 touches last week against Pittsburgh and totaled 135 yards and two touchdowns.
Clark made a surprisingly quick recovery after suffering a high ankle sprain against Baltimore two weeks ago. Most high ankle sprains sideline players 4 to 6 weeks.
Matthews missed the Pittsburgh game and a half in the Baltimore game with a groin injury,
Recently added wide receiver Michael Clark, who was signed from the practice squad, is inactive, along with King, who is suffering from a shoulder injury and was declared out on Friday.
Here are the Packers' inactives:
- CB Kevin King
- CB Donatello Brown
- G Lucas Patrick
- G/T Adam Pankey
- WR Michael Clark
- DT Montravius Adams
- LB Chris Odom
The Buccaneers will be without six players, including three starters: running back Doug Martin, defensive end Robert Ayers and cornerback Vernon Hargreaves. Safety Josh Robinson, who is Tampa Bay's top special teams player, is also inactive.
Peyton Barber will start for Martin, Will Clarke will start for Ayers and Ryan Smith will start for Hargreaves.
The Buccaneers put two offensive linemen, Demar Dotson and Ali Marpet, on injured reserve this week. Left guard Kevin Pamphile will move to right tackle to replace Dotson, former Packer Evan Smith will play left guard and veteran Joe Hawley will play center.
Here are the Buccaneers' inactives:
- RB Doug Martin
- S Josh Robinson
- CB Vernon Hargreaves III
- S T.J. Ward
- C Joe Hawley
- DE Robert Ayers Jr.
- DT Clinton McDonald