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Green Bay Packers star running back Aaron Jones was trending towards “inactive” status for Thursday's game with the San Francisco 49ers due to a calf injury.
However, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Jones now appears to be given the green light to play, though it may be in a limited role.
Aaron Jones has barely practiced, and that makes having a large role difficult. But as of now, there is a real chance he plays. Without COVID-19 knocking out two RBs, he probably sits another game. This would be an adjustment. https://t.co/Bu4sKZ4mEg
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 5, 2020
Having even a limited Jones is still vastly better than the alternative for the Packers.
Green Bay was already without Jamaal Williams after he was deemed to have had close contact with A.J. Dillon, the latter of whom tested positive for COVID-19. In other words, the Packers were severely limited in terms of backfield options.
Of course, the Packers could still be somewhat limited, given they are sure to keep an eye on Jones' snap count.
Jones had been one of the best running backs in football through the first few weeks of the season, a hard-nosed runner and equally viable option as a receiver out of the backfield.
But the 25-year-old has missed each of the last two games with a calf strain, and—as Rapoport stated—has hardly even practiced. That said, Jones' presence gives Green Bay another weapon the Niners have to account for, regardless of how hard he can go Thursday night.
Both teams are reeling from injuries. Packers receiver Allen Lazard remains out, while the 49ers will be without quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and All-Pro tight end George Kittle for the foreseeable future.
San Francisco also has the misfortune of losing Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samual and Trent Williams, all of whom remain on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
This will be a strange matchup in terms of personnel, and the Packers will keep a close eye on Jones' activity.