Jamaal Williams COVID Update Causes Big Shift in Aaron Jones and Tyler Ervin Fantasy Outlook

The Green Bay Packers backfield continues to lose depth. Aaron Jones is already uncertain for Thursday, and now both Jamaal Williams and rookie A.J. Dillon have been ruled out for COVID-19 reasons as well.

This will have a huge impact for fantasy football.

Aaron Jones Fantasy Outlook

If Jones (calf) can play, he's a no-doubt RB1 option and will be in for workhorse volume. Through Week 6 Jones was averaging 15.0 carries plus 5.6 targets per game, even though Williams was cutting into the available volume with 6.6 carries and 2.8 targets per game of his own.

A matchup with the San Francisco 49ers isn't ideal (allowing the NFL's fewest fantasy points per game to RBs), but you're not going to bench Aaron Jones when he's all but a lock for 20-plus touches.

Tyler Ervin Fantasy Outlook

if Jones can't play, Tyler Ervin is the de facto lead back for the week.

The former Houston Texan hasn't seen much work this year, contributing in a varied way with 6 receptions, 4 carries, 7 kickoff returns and 4 punt returns. That's been his M.O. as a pro, with 22 receptions, 10 carries, 47 kickoff returns and 76 punt returns since entering coming into the NFL in 2016.

With the Packers' RB room completely decimated, though, he would suddenly become a pretty good bet to see big volume if Jones can't go. Don't expect a ton of efficiency from Ervin, but he would absolutely be a viable starting option if the Packers' top three backs are all on the shelf.

Keep a close eye on Jones' injury news, because that's the update that will determine the fantasy outlook for the entire backfield in Week 9.

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Jason Schandl is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Jason Schandl also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username Jaymun. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in his articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.