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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” Aaron 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.
It’s looking more and more like Aaron Jones will not be playing on Thursday night as the Packers take on the 49ers. With Jamaal Williams and A.J. Dillon relegated to the COVID-19 list, that leaves Tyler Ervin and Dexter Williams, who each have very limited NFL experience, to handle the Packers backfield. Are either of these backs worth taking a gamble on in your starting lineup? We break down the fantasy analysis below.
Fantasy Football analysis: Packers RBs Tyler Ervin, Dexter Williams
Tyler Ervin was dealing with a wrist injury that made him a limited practice participant earlier this week, but he has now logged two full practices leading up to the Thursday night match-up. Even if fully healthy, and even if he is the lead back in the game, Ervin remains a wildcard. The 49ers defense is particularly tough against running backs, allowing the 5th fewest fantasy points to the position. Ervin has four total carries for 43 yards this season. While that is a very impressive 10.8 yards per carry, it’s a very small sample size. Ervin has been utilized in the passing game this season, giving him a bump in value in PPR leagues. If there is any back in Green Bay to gamble on this week, he seems to be the way to go, but he is nothing more than a flier flex play or a risky bye week fill.
Dexter Williams has yet to carry the ball this season as he has bounced back and forth from the practice squad. He will get his first game action this weekend against a tough 49ers rush defense. Given his nonexistent track record and uncertain usage behind Tyler Ervin, starting Dexter Williams would be a very bold move, and an ill-advised move at that. He is best left on the bench this weekend.
Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation
Start Tyler Ervin only as a bye week fill-in in deeper leagues.
Sit Dexter Williams.