Packers could try Ty Montgomery again on special teams

GREEN BAY - One glance at the snap counts from Green Bay's 26-17 loss Sunday to New Orleans explains the state of the Packers’ running back stable: Rookie Aaron Jones played 44 of 50 offensive snaps; veteran Ty Montgomery played seven.

Jones has started two games this season, against the Saints and Dallas Cowboys. His rushing totals in those two games are 36 carries for 256 yards and two touchdowns.

So where does that leave Montgomery, who gained only six yards on four carries Sunday?

“Ty Montgomery is an outstanding football player,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “This has never been a one-man deal with running backs. I look for Ty to just keep going. Aaron has done some really good things. Aaron needs to be better on third down, frankly. He did a great job on first and second down. Ty Montgomery is still a big part of our offense.”

While Montgomery will contribute in certain spots throughout the season, the idea that he is a “big part of our offense” is likely tinged with exaggeration. Jones should continue to play the majority of snaps at the running back position.

Because of that, Montgomery could find himself contributing more on special teams with his offensive burden lessened. Montgomery was the starting kick returner for the Packers during his rookie season until an ankle injury sidelined him. He also blocked a punt as an interior rusher in 2016.

“You read my mind,” special-teams coordinator Ron Zook said this week. “I don’t know what offensively the plans are yet but that’s something I made a note to talk to Coach about. Ty’s a pretty good special-teams player, as well. He’s a powerful guy. He blocked a punt at Minnesota last year and he did a good job on the kickoff team and did a good job in returns. It’s something that we’ll lobby Coach for and we’ll see what happens.”