The Packers backfield has taken quite the turn from a talent perspective. Just weeks ago we were looking at fantasy stud, Aaron Jones, carrying the load, with the always dependable, Jamaal Williams as his backup. Behind Williams was AJ Dillon, the team’s controversial second-round pick who was an absolute monster at BC.
Those were simpler times.
Following Aaron Jones’ injury two weeks ago, we thought it would be a mix of Jamaal Williams and Dillon’s legs, but it was really just the Williams show. Fast forward to this week, when both Dillon and Williams were hit with the COVID bug, it looks like we’re trending toward the fantasy swamp, where Tyler Ervin and Dexter Williams previously resided, for their Thursday night tilt against the 49ers.
Although Jones is healing up, RapSheet thinks the short week makes Jones unlikely to play Week 9.
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
And then, of course, Matt LeFleur made life even more difficult for us on Election Night Week 9 Waiver Wire night, by saying Jones will likely be a game-time decision on Thursday.
Matt LaFleur says Aaron Jones Thursday status is still up in the air.
“We’ll see come game time if Aaron can go or not."
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) November 3, 2020
Either way, who the hell are Tyler Ervin and Dexter Williams and are they really worth the Week 9 Waiver Wire stream?
“I think that’s the beauty in what Matt [LeFleur] and the offensive staff has done this year is finding creative ways to get our best guys on the field and put them in positions to get the ball in space; no different this week,” Aaron Rodgers said when asked about their running back situation.
If you’re looking for a full PPR flex streamer, Ervin is likely your guy, but Dexter Williams might be a sneaky streamer himself. He profiles equally to former first-rounder Knowshon Moreno and has a high burst score, which shows he moves well for his size.
While we don’t know much about Dexter Williams, he looks like more of an early-down back. Standing at 5-foot-11, 212 lbs, Williams was a Packers’ roster mainstay last year, before being stuck to the practice squad this year. While he’s only carried the ball five times for a measly 11 yards this season, his quarterback seems to have confidence in him.
“I love Dex,” Rodgers said. “Dex has a really good attitude. He’s done a nice job of growing up in the offense and feeling more comfortable with the checks and his responsibilities in pass blocking and route running.
“It seems like he’s a little more settled this year and feeling more confident.”
Meanwhile, Ervis is more of the versatile pass-catcher whose been somewhat of a four-year NFL journeyman after a very good career at San Jose State.
According to the team’s website, the Packers moved Ervin to the receiver room this year and the team used him on jet sweeps and motion, where he’s logged 76 total yards on 10 touches.
“He can do a lot,” said Rodgers of Ervin. “He can play receiver. He can be our fly-option guy. He can play in the backfield. With those two guys in the protocol, we’re going to have to have him play an even bigger role this week to make sure we’re getting our best guys on the field.”
SUMMARY
Although the Packers will likely be without Jones and will be without Jamaal Williams and Dillon, we have these two relatively unknown backs who could represent flex streamer value during this weird fantasy season.
I’d much rather be in a spot where I own Davante Adams, obviously, who will be showered in targets. But if you’re in a bind, both running backs deserve additions.
“I think as a competitor you’re always excited about the challenges,” Rodgers said. “You’d love having your guys in there at full strength, for sure, but there is that fun challenge of going in there without some of those guys and trying to find a way to win.”
Keep a lookout for The Wolf’s Week 9 Rankings to see where he ranks the Packers’ backfield.
