49ers Challenge No. 3: Running Back Aaron Jones
Kyle Shanahan probably wishes he had a player like Packers running back Aaron Jones in the mix, a 5-foot-9, 208-pound tough tackle, who is equally impressive on the ground and in the passing game.
The Niners do have a Jones-like halfback in the making, JaMycal Hasty. But Hasty is likely to miss a few weeks with an ankle injury. And with a good chunk of San Francisco’s running back room chewed up, too, it wouldn’t be a shock if Green Bay tries to counter with a stout rushing attack of its own.
If so, look for Jones to try picking up where he left off last week against Detroit.
In that Week 2 game, Jones was outstanding and rushed for 67 yards on 17 carries with a touchdown, then added six catches for 48 yards and three more touchdowns, proving to be quite the versatile weapon for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Jones will be a tough challenge for anybody on any team, yet it’s a good thing the 49ers will likely look to match up with him by using All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, whose lone assignment during Week 3 could be the former fifth-round NFL Draft pick.
Whoever wins that bout could easily be on the winning side of the game.