Adding to the difficulty for the #Packers: There is pessimism that RB Aaron Jones (calf) will be back for Thursday, I’m told. GB is cautious. The current plan seems to be going with Tyler Ervin and Dexter Williams vs the #49ers. Ervin has 10 career carries and Williams has 5.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 3, 2020
With A.J. Dillon on the COVID-19 reserve list, Jamaal Williams out due to a high-risk designation and Aaron Jones still battling a calf injury, the Green Bay Packers may have to rely on the very bottom of the running back depth chart on Thursday night against the San Francisco 49ers.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, “pessimism” exists about Jones’ ability to play Thursday night, leaving Tyler Ervin and Dexter Williams as the team’s two remaining running backs.
Dillon and Jamaal Williams won’t play after Dillon tested positive for COVID-19 and Jamaal Williams was deemed a high-risk contact based on contact tracing. Jones has missed two straight games after injuring his calf in practice on Oct. 22.
If Jones can’t go, the Packers would have only just running backs left.
Ervin has been used primarily as a receiver and returner and as the offense’s go-to jet-motion option, but he did play running back at San Jose State and wouldn’t be in over his head if he needed to play a significant role there on Thursday night.
Dexter Williams, who is currently on the practice squad, has played in five career games since entering the NFL as a sixth-round pick in 2019. He has five career carries for 11 yards. Elevated from the practice squad after Jones’ injury in Week 7, Dexter Williams didn’t receive a carry against the Houston Texans but did miss a block on a blocked punt.
The Packers also have fullback/tight end John Lovett, who could play snaps in the backfield in certain formations.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Packers wouldn’t be able to sign a running back and have him available in time before Thursday night.
Although the Packers didn’t practice on Monday, Jones was estimated as a limited participant.
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