Aaron Jones’ managers were ecstatic after the first week of the fantasy football season. It seems like years ago, but that week, Jones was the overall RB1 with 127 all-purpose yards and two TDs, and he seemed to be the best pick in fantasy drafts. Then, the bottom fell out.
Jones has only played six other games this season, missing six scattered weeks due to injury, and he has not been the same since that season opener. What is the latest news and information on the Green Bay Packers RB, and can fantasy managers trust him in their lineups in the fantasy playoffs?
Is Aaron Jones Going To Play Week 15?
It looks like there will be good news for Jones’ fantasy managers as the Packers’ RB is expected to play in Week 15. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Jones should face the Buccaneers in Week 15.
Jones injured his MCL on November 19 against the Los Angeles Chargers. He only played 21% of snaps that week, managing 14 yards on the ground before he exited. Jones was not put on IR and has missed the last three games. Jones is officially listed as questionable heading into the matchup with Tampa Bay, and he is the RB38 in PFN’s Consensus Rankings.
Jones did practice in a limited fashion before the Week 14 games against the New York Giants. Ultimately, he was unable to suit up, but there seems to be the potential for him to play this week. On Thursday, Jones told the media, “I’m feeling a lot better. I got to move around today at practice and make great strides. I’m going to take it day by day, but I feel confident for Sunday.”
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
Jones’ status has continually been up in the air with fantasy managers frequently waiting until the inactive list has been released to see if Jones is playing. They will have to do the same this week.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are solid against the run, allowing the 10th-fewest fantasy points to opposing RBs. But they are less efficient defending the pass to RBs, which is something Jones excels in. The Bucs have allowed 56 receptions to RBs, translating to almost 400 yards.
Potential Fantasy Options If Jones Is Out to Include AJ Dillon and Patrick Taylor
When Jones is sidelined, AJ Dillon is always the next man up, but Dillon is dealing with his injury issues and might not be able to step in if Jones misses. Dillon broke his thumb during the final drive of Monday night’s game against the Giants. He logged one limited practice this week and is considered questionable for Sunday.
If neither Packers RB can play, this offense will have to dig deep. Patrick Taylor would become relevant in fantasy only if at least one of Jones or Dillon did not play. He could be viewed as a high-end RB3 in that instance simply due to volume.
Veteran Kenyan Drake was elevated from the practice squad on Saturday, which seems to be an indication that Green Bay is anticipating at least one of those big two RBs to be unable to play. Drake is only an option in deep leagues if both Jones and Dillon are out.
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