Getting bigger and stronger should help Aaron Jones break more tackles and avoid the knee injuries that plagued his rookie season, but the added bulk will also assist the Green Bay Packers running back in an area where he wants to improve in Year 2.

Protecting the quarterback.

“I’m bigger all around. That’s something that will help me in pass protection. That’s something I want to get better at,” Jones said Thursday. “I’m stronger, so when a defender who is bigger than me comes up to me I can hold my ground this year.”

Although Jones burst onto the scene as a big-play runner, he was often the second option – behind fellow rookie Jamaal Williams – on passing downs. Adding more reliability in pass protection could make Jones a three-down weapon.

Running backs coach Ben Sirmans said the Packers asked Jones to get bigger and stronger this offseason, and he rose to the challenge.

“I think he saw also for himself what he could benefit from, particularly with his lower body,” Sirmans said last week. “He could benefit from playing stronger and not just from an injury standpoint avoiding those things, but also it will help him break more tackles and do those things.”

Jones, who played at 208 pounds last season, said he’s added size but hasn’t lost any of his elite quickness. In fact, he’s feeling more explosive.

“Any athlete wants to get bigger and stronger as long as they can stay explosive. I still just as explosive as I was, if not more,” Jones said.

His knees are also feeling strong. Jones said he had a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment after the season and hasn’t had any issues throughout the offseason. Twice last season, Jones sprained his MCL.

“About a week after the season, I had a PRP done. I was feeling good after that, got right into training,” Jones said. “Felt good ever since. Haven’t had any problems with my knees.”