The Green Bay Packers are zeroing in on a Sunday night victory over the Minnesota Vikings that will keep them in the thick of the NFC playoff race. But it wasn’t all good news for the Packers in Week 17, as running back AJ Dillon went down with an injury in the second half.
AJ Dillon Injury Update
Dillon was injured at some point during the third quarter. His last carry came with 3:35 remaining in the third. Green Bay has designated Dillon as questionable to return with a neck stinger.
The Packers were leading the Vikings 30-10 when Dillon’s injury status was announced. As such, there’s little reason for the fourth-year RB to return to tonight’s game.
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Dillon took seven attempts for 27 scoreless yards before departing. Aaron Jones, who briefly left Sunday’s contest with an injury in the first half before returning, posted 121 rushing yards on 20 carries.
Dillon, 25, put up at least 770 rushing yards in each of the past two seasons but had only 586 yards entering Week 17. He’s scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent next spring.
The Packers can secure a playoff berth with a win over the Chicago Bears in Week 18.
Fantasy Fallout From Dillon’s Injury
Aaron Jones has assumed the lead role in this Packers backfield, a role that carries even more volume as a result of Dillon’s injury. Jones elevates from a strong RB2 to a low-end RB1 as a result of this injury thanks to an uptick in his scoring equity.
Dillon’s injury has little impact on the passing game — a minor increase in value as the versatile Jones being on the field for a higher snap rate can only help.
With the Packers playing for their postseason life in Week 18, Jones and Jayden Reed (assuming health) are strong options, while Tucker Kraft and a potentially returning Christian Watson are on the fringe of useable at their respective positions.
— PFN Fantasy Analyst Kyle Soppe
