A couple of weeks ago, Aaron Jones was a surprise addition to the Packers' injury report with a calf problem. Since that time, he has missed games against the Texans and Vikings, and now, he's in danger of missing another one. Jones is officially listed as "questionable" for a Thursday Night Football game against the 49ers, and his spotty availability will make fantasy football owners sweat their first start 'em, sit 'em decisions of Week 9 a bit more than usual. If he can't play, the Packers may have a real pickle on their hands at the RB spot.
We'll be here providing the latest news below about Jones right up until the active/inactive report is released at around 6:50 p.m. ET on Thursday. For more fantasy news, follow us on Twitter @SN_Fantasy.
MORE TNF: FD single-game lineup | DK Showdown lineup | Start 'em, sit 'em
Is Aaron Jones playing Thursday night?
UPDATE 2: Jones is officially ACTIVE.
UPDATE: According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Packers are now "hopeful" that Jones will play but if he suits up, he could only be active in a limited role. That would be a worst-case scenario for Jones' fantasy owners, as it's hard to sit Jones but it's hard to trust what his role may be if he isn't healthy. That will be a tough start 'em, sit 'em decision and basically, it will come down to whether or not you have a suitable alternative for Jones.
Jones is going to be a game-time call for the Packers' contest against the 49ers. According to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, Jones' calf injury is "a finicky deal".
That doesn't inspire a ton of hope that Jones will suit up. The Packers have been extra cautious with their stars so far this year. Earlier in the season, they sat Davante Adams (hamstring) for an extra game ahead of their bye to make sure he was 100 percent before returning to the field. They could do the same with Jones, especially with a mini-bye coming up before their Week 10 game.
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However, the Packers are dealing with a little bit of a conundrum at RB, and that's probably part of why Jones is truly questionable. Third-string RB AJ Dillon tested positive for COVID earlier in the week and backup Jamaal Williams was deemed a high-risk close contact to Dillon, so he won't be available on Thursday either. As such, if Jones sits out, the Packers will be without their top three RBs against one of the NFL's best run defenses.
WEEK 9 STANDARD RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
If Jones can't play, the Packers will have only two healthy running backs on the roster: Dexter Williams and Tyler Ervin. Combined, they have 15 total NFL carries for their career. Williams figures to be more of a between-the-tackles option while Ervin will serve more as a pass-catching back as he has all season. Trusting either in fantasy if Jones is out would be a massive risk, but Ervin is probably the better play in PPR leagues. Both would be low-end flex options in standard simply because of the tough matchup and their uncertain roles.
WEEK 9 PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
Aaron Rodgers could also just opt to throw the ball a lot more if Jones is out, which would obviously benefit Davante Adams, Robert Tonyan, and Allen Lazard (if healthy).
We'll soon see if Jones plays, but his absence could have a massive ripple effect on the Packers if he's unavailable. Needless to say, his status will have a huge impact on lineup decisions and last-minute waiver wire pickups across all fantasy formats.
