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Game status: Aaron Jones is ACTIVE for Week 9.
5 p.m. update: Jones is expected to be active for TNF barring any pregame setbacks, per Adam Schefter. While NFL Network said Jones could end up with a limited workload, Schefter simply reported, “[t]he Packers plan to be ‘careful’” with Jones.
Game day update: The Packers are “hopeful” Jones will play, but he’ll need to go through warmups first and it could end up a limited role, per NFL Network. That would mean Tyler Ervin ends up with more work.
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones was a limited participant in three practices ahead of his team’s Thursday Night Football matchup against the San Francisco 49ers because of a calf injury. His status is up in the air and his backups — Jamaal Williams and A.J. Dillion — have been placed on the Covid-19 list. Green Bay will have have to lean on rarely-used backups in Week 9 if Jones can’t go. Let’s go over how that could affect fantasy football production on Thursday.
Fantasy impact: Packers RB Aaron Jones (calf)
Jones has been exceptional when healthy this season. His versatility has allowed him to remain a top 10 fantasy running back in standard and PPR leagues despite having missed two games already this season. The 49ers’ defense has been one of the best in the NFL at limiting opposing running backs this season so lesser options could have a hard time producing if the starter is ruled out.
Tyler Ervin is a utility player who is usually the Packers’ fourth-string back. He acts as a return man, splits out wide, and gets touches out of the backfield. Ervin only has four carries on the season and has used his blazing speed to average 10.8 yards per carry. He’s also caught six of his nine targets this season for 33 yards. It’s hard to predict how much he’ll run between the tackles but his skill set could make him a desirable PPR play with enough volume.
Dexter Williams, a sixth-round pick from 2019, could also get some work. He doesn’t have any touches in 2020 but has totaled 11 rushing yards on five career carries. He’s a less promising fantasy prospect but could be worth a punt play in this situation.