RB Jamaal Williams, NO (1 Viewer)

[Faust]

Jamaal Williams is considered a "close contact" to confirmed COVID-positive RB AJ Dillon and is in danger of missing Week 9 against the 49ers.

Williams was told to not practice Monday and is very much up in the air for Thursday night's short turnaround game against the Niners. If he's determined a "high risk" close contact, Williams will be ineligible for Week 9. Aaron Jones is already battling a calf injury, so it's anyone's guess to what the Packers would do in the backfield if all three of Jones, Williams, and Dillon aren't able to play. Tyler Ervin is more of a scat back type. Dexter Williams is on the Packers' practice squad.

SOURCE: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

Nov 2, 2020, 6:52 PM ET

 

[CanaBuc]

So which GB  RB? All are indeed it on covid list

 

[FGITLOTR]

So which GB  RB? All are indeed it on covid list

Williams has been declared out! Aaron Jones was held out on Sunday so he could play on Thursday. Ervin will def get carried too. 
 

https://twitter.com/tompelissero/status/1323657281884590081?s=21

 

[sho nuff]

Ervin and Dexter Williams if Jones can't go.  He was listed as a limited participant yesterday (however, they didn't actually practice, just one of those things they do for the Thursday games where they basically guess he would have been limited).

My guess is Jones plays.

 

[Pipes]

So the Packers get screwed because they play on Thursday night. If the game were Sunday both these guys could play if they test negative.  Seems fair.  I hate Thursday night games so much.

 

[travdogg]

Ervin and Dexter Williams if Jones can't go.  He was listed as a limited participant yesterday (however, they didn't actually practice, just one of those things they do for the Thursday games where they basically guess he would have been limited).

My guess is Jones plays.

I'd be surprised if Jones plays. I don't think they'll rush him just because they are shorthanded. That goes against everything the Packers seem to do with injuries. More likely Rodgers throws 45+ times against a defense with a very banged up secondary, and not much pass rush.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

Only 90s kids will remember™ the game Travis Jervey started against the 49ers because everyone else was hurt.

(As I look at his career stats he actually started a few other games that year but I remember that particular one for some reason.)

 

[CR69]

If Jones can't go is Ervin the pickup with the hope that he'll get a couple of catches?

 

[RenegadeRoy]

I'd be surprised if Jones plays. I don't think they'll rush him just because they are shorthanded. That goes against everything the Packers seem to do with injuries. More likely Rodgers throws 45+ times against a defense with a very banged up secondary, and not much pass rush.

The "rush back" would've been this past week though if I'm understanding correctly. All reports seemed to indicate he was good to go for Sunday but the Pack didn't want to rush it.

 

[FGITLOTR]

I'd be surprised if Jones plays. I don't think they'll rush him just because they are shorthanded. That goes against everything the Packers seem to do with injuries. More likely Rodgers throws 45+ times against a defense with a very banged up secondary, and not much pass rush.

Nah, he was a GTD in week 7 and was held out last game for this matchup. They really need the W and can’t take any chances. Jones will eat 

 

[FGITLOTR]

The "rush back" would've been this past week though if I'm understanding correctly. All reports seemed to indicate he was good to go for Sunday but the Pack didn't want to rush it.

Exactly!! The notion AJ won’t play on Thursday seems odd 

 

[beerbuff]

Exactly!! The notion AJ won’t play on Thursday seems odd 

Not odd at all, he has a high risk of being a carrier of the virus. The fact that Dexter Williams was put back on the practice squad Monday indicates to me that Aaron Jones is probably good to go.

 

[sho nuff]

So the Packers get screwed because they play on Thursday night. If the game were Sunday both these guys could play if they test negative.  Seems fair.  I hate Thursday night games so much.

And somehow other teams in the league get games moved to later in the week...Rodgers doesn't have the pull anymore.  Can't get a clear PI to stay called...can't get this game moved.

 

[sho nuff]

I'd be surprised if Jones plays. I don't think they'll rush him just because they are shorthanded. That goes against everything the Packers seem to do with injuries. More likely Rodgers throws 45+ times against a defense with a very banged up secondary, and not much pass rush.

Sure...but how rushed is it...its been almost 3 weeks...and he was basically a GTD the week after it happened...this gives him an extra few days after the game to rest up too.

Now...I agree...they won't rush him if he is not 100%.

 

[sho nuff]

Only 90s kids will remember™ the game Travis Jervey started against the 49ers because everyone else was hurt.

(As I look at his career stats he actually started a few other games that year but I remember that particular one for some reason.)

Where is Samkon Gado when you need him?

Well...he is actually a Dr. now.

 

[tricky92]

Where is Samkon Gado when you need him?

Well...he is actually a Dr. now.

What is James Starks up to these days?

 

[travdogg]

Sure...but how rushed is it...its been almost 3 weeks...and he was basically a GTD the week after it happened...this gives him an extra few days after the game to rest up too.

Now...I agree...they won't rush him if he is not 100%.

Muscle injuries are tricky, its possible it hasn't really gotten better the last couple weeks. Also possible it was a much worse injury than initially thought.

I'd say its a 25% chance Jones plays Thursday. Sucks that Williams is out, he's been very good these last 2 games.

 

[BearsFan4Life]

If Jones can't go is Ervin the pickup with the hope that he'll get a couple of catches?

Same thing I am trying to figure out?!?  Pick up Ervin or avoid all together as Rodgers will throw every down.

 

[gruecd]

Same thing I am trying to figure out?!?  Pick up Ervin or avoid all together as Rodgers will throw every down.

Avoid.

 

[Stat Correction]

Paging Najeh Davenport , please......

 

[FreeBaGeL]

What is James Starks up to these days?

Someone, somewhere is trading a 1st for him for the 5th time thinking this is finally when he takes over as the GB feature back we were all looking for.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Not odd at all, he has a high risk of being a carrier of the virus. The fact that Dexter Williams was put back on the practice squad Monday indicates to me that Aaron Jones is probably good to go.

Jones is?  I didn't think Jones was exposed to Dillon/Covid, and his questionableness is fully related to his calf, not Covid.

 

[tricky92]

Someone, somewhere is trading a 1st for him for the 5th time thinking this is finally when he takes over as the GB feature back we were all looking for.

I will admit to riding the Starks, Ryan Torain, and Alex Collins trains.

 

[Faust]

Packers activated RB Jamaal Willams from the reserve/COVID-19 list. 

Williams was placed on the team's COVID list after being in close contact with A.J. Dillon, who remains away from the team. With Aaron Jones clearly healthy after handling 20 of the team's 34 backfield touches in a blowout win, Williams will return to his usual 1B role as an RB3/FLEX in Week 10 against the Jaguars.

SOURCE: Green Bay Packers on Twitter

Nov 9, 2020, 4:29 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Jamaal Williams (quad) is doubtful for Week 16 against the Titans.

Williams left last week early, leaving the backfield to just Aaron Jones. It's the difference between Jones being a mid-range RB1 and an elite RB1. With the Titans struggling in the trenches, Jones has insane upside in a potential shootout. Williams could be held out until the playoffs.

RELATED: 

Aaron Jones

Dec 25, 2020, 7:26 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Jamaal Williams rushed 12 times for 65 yards in Green Bay's Divisional Round win over the Rams.

Green Bay's offensive blueprint was made abundantly clear from the first possession, leaning on multi-back sets to attack Los Angeles' front-seven. Aaron Jones (14/99/1) still led the team with 14 carries, but Williams matched his teammate in touches inside the 10-yard line with four each. Having handled 12 of the team's 33 backfield touches in a competitive game, Williams will (surprisingly) be a viable option for any two-game DFS slates in the Conference Championship round.

Jan 16, 2021, 8:17 PM ET

 

[Faust]

Jamaal Williams rushed seven times for 23 yards in the Packers' NFC Championship Game loss to the Bucs, adding four receptions for 22 additional yards. 

Like Aaron Jones, Williams is headed to free agency. Unlike Jones, Williams won't command a pretty penny. Consecutive Packers coaching staffs have fallen in love with a back who gobbles up snaps and holds his own on all three downs. Williams is not a different-making talent, but competency like his cannot be taken for granted from a No. 2 or 3 back. Williams will probably be back with the Pack, but even if Jones departs, it won't be as the No. 1. AJ Dillon is the next man up in this backfield. 

Jan 24, 2021, 8:07 PM ET

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Jason B. Hirschhorn @by_JBH

Free-agent running back Jamaal Williams acknowledges that he won't return to the #Packers following Aaron Jones' extension: "It's just sad that we won't be able to play together again."

 

[Faust]

NBC Sports take:

Free agent Jamaal Williams thanked Green Bay's organization and fans on Instagram Monday.

It means Green Bay won't re-sign him after bringing back Aaron Jones on a four-year deal. Williams, 25, soaked up 35 targets to Jones' 63 last year and was undoubtedly a road block for the latter potentially reaching his top-three ceiling. With Williams officially out of the picture, Jones' receiving role should increase (thus unlocking even more potential) for 2021. Note that A.J. Dillon totaled just 21 catches across three seasons with Boston College and saw two targets across 97 offensive snaps last year.

SOURCE: Jamaal Williams on Instagram

Mar 15, 2021, 3:17 PM ET

 

[Twenty-Four Eighty-Four]

Signs with the Lions. 2 years, up to $7.5 million.

 

[Faust]

Signs with the Lions. 2 years, up to $7.5 million.

NBC Sports Edge:

Lions signed RB Jamaal Williams, formerly of the Packers, to a two-year, $7.5 million contract.

Williams is a high-end backup and role player, particularly on passing downs. He's essentially a poor man's D'Andre Swift, which is a little bit of a bummer for both of their fantasy outlooks. Williams should be in the mix on some passing downs after catching 25-plus passes in four-straight seasons, and there will be a ton of passing downs up for grabs given the Lions' 2021 roster. Williams should be viewed as an insurance type with a path to a bellcow workload in the event of a Swift injury. Swift is a risky RB1/2.

RELATED: 

D'Andre Swift

, Green Bay Packers

SOURCE: Tom Pelissero on Twitter

Mar 16, 2021, 11:51 PM ET

 

[Snoopy]

At that price, I am surprised the Packers did not try to sign him.

 

[Deamon]

At that price, I am surprised the Packers did not try to sign him.

I can't Imagine the Packers paying RB's 16M a year with a 2nd year 2nd round pick behind both of them.

 

[sho nuff]

At that price, I am surprised the Packers did not try to sign him.

With Jones on board and Dillon from last year...even at a lower price not sure it would make sense.  Mainly given what they have other needs for and tight cap space (barring restructuring to Rodgers, Z. Smith...and with a possible Adams extension as well).

Oline is a huge ? right now.  With Bakhtiari hurt late in the year and very possibly not ready for the start of the year, and Linsley leaving in FA...and they let Wagner (depth) walk.  If they don't bring K. King back (not looking like they will) they also are thin at corner behind Jaire Alexander.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

With Jones on board and Dillon from last year...even at a lower price not sure it would make sense.  Mainly given what they have other needs for and tight cap space (barring restructuring to Rodgers, Z. Smith...and with a possible Adams extension as well).

Oline is a huge ? right now.  With Bakhtiari hurt late in the year and very possibly not ready for the start of the year, and Linsley leaving in FA...and they let Wagner (depth) walk.  If they don't bring K. King back (not looking like they will) they also are thin at corner behind Jaire Alexander.

Yep.  Which is what happens when you waste your top three draft picks the previous year.

 

[sho nuff]

Yep.  Which is what happens when you waste your top three draft picks the previous year.

Maybe so.  Dillon being picked does not bother me.  Not enough info yet on Deguara. Love...yeah...not needed then. Though doubt they would have drafted CB or OL there.  But that situation...wasted or not...is trying to always be ahead of things.  Draft Love to keep from being like the Bears right now.  Going from Trubisky to Foles tp Dalton and throwing the house at Seattle to try and fail to get Russ.  
So while I still don’t like it...I understand it...but would have rather had Patrick Queen or a WR or even a lineman.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

With Jones on board and Dillon from last year...even at a lower price not sure it would make sense.  Mainly given what they have other needs for and tight cap space (barring restructuring to Rodgers, Z. Smith...and with a possible Adams extension as well).

Oline is a huge ? right now.  With Bakhtiari hurt late in the year and very possibly not ready for the start of the year, and Linsley leaving in FA...and they let Wagner (depth) walk.  If they don't bring K. King back (not looking like they will) they also are thin at corner behind Jaire Alexander.
Expand  

Yep.  Which is what happens when you waste your top three draft picks the previous year.

Its funny - I was honestly just thinking how great that draft looks now, after seeing all these other teams (especially in the NFC North) scrambling to sign washed up QBs, cut vets, push money out, etc. while the Packers are just re-signing their own guys.  It does hurt to lose Linsely and of course it's not good to make your LT the highest paid OL in history then lose him to injury. Of course, it all depends on how the players pan out, but for now on paper I think adding a QB for the future + Dillon and Deguara looks fantastic.

Andrew Brandt @AndrewBrandt

Showing my Packer bias here, but: the worst time to find a quarterback is when you actually need a quarterback.

 

[Ilov80s]

Good signing for Detroit and Williams. He can do it all in the backfield and is likely better than Kerryon at just about everything except maybe pass blocking which has sadly become Kerryon's calling card. He's good enough to help the offense but not enough to really stand in the way of Swift touches. 

 

[Faust]

Lions OC Anthony Lynn referred to RB Jamaal Williams as "a classic 'A' back."

"My 'A' backs are normally my bigger backs," Lynn continued. "They can run between the tackles, block probably a little better than a 'B' back, they can also run the perimeter. I can leave those guys in there for all three downs." Lynn also labeled D'Andre Swift as a "speed-space back," reaffirming that he sees the duo more as being complementary than interchangeable. Currently being drafted ahead of Joe Mixon, Najee Harris, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire on a handful of platforms, Best-Ball players obviously need to rethink Swift's ceiling in this offense before prioritizing him in the second round.

RELATED: 

D'Andre Swift

SOURCE: The Athletic

May 20, 2021, 11:25 AM ET

 

[JoeJoe88]

Swift owners are going to learn to hate Jamaal much like Aaron Jones owners did. I think it’s possible his role is even bigger in Detroit than it was in Green Bay. 

 

[Gally]

Swift owners are going to learn to hate Jamaal much like Aaron Jones owners did. I think it’s possible his role is even bigger in Detroit than it was in Green Bay. 

I think it is very possible.  He is a solid back that does everything a bit above average  but nothing outstanding.  A great player to have on your NFL team and will be a problem for fantasy purposes for Swift owners.  

 

[menobrown]

Swift owners are going to learn to hate Jamaal much like Aaron Jones owners did. I think it’s possible his role is even bigger in Detroit than it was in Green Bay. 

I don't see it this way myself.  Not saying this is you but I think people got confused what Lynn meant by A back. I for sure can see Jamaal with a 35% type snap share but I view his role in the offense as something similar to Latavius role with the Saints.

But don't take my word for it:

Chris Burke

@ChrisBurkeNFL

To clarify here ... "A" and "B" is just how Anthony Lynn describes his backs' skill sets -- "A" is more between the tackles; "B" is "speed in space. It wasn't an RB1 and RB2 designation for Williams and Swift. The Lions love Swift. He's going to be a focal point of the offense.

 

[menobrown]

I do think Williams should be considered one of the top handcuffs in fantasy and I hate this article came out because his price just shot up . 

Also hate that the only dynasty league I own Swift I'm thin at RB and the guy who owns Jamaal William has not made a trade in 10 years.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Jamaal is a good player who does a lot of things well. Running, catching, blocking - solid vet. But let’s not act like we don’t know who he is. With numerous opportunities to be the man in GB bc of injuries he never produced.

With coachspeak, I always find it useful to discount what they say and pay attention to what they do.

- Didn’t re-sign their leading rusher

- parted ways with the previous regimes 2nd round RB who is elite in pass pro

- acquired a solid backup to share the load

- filled out the RB room with a 7th rounder and a couple UDFAs

To me they have been clearing the path for D’Andre Swift’s ascendency.

Jamaal will have a role. He’s a great teammate and hilarious interview. But he’s not the starter nor will he be barring injuries.

Coaches say things all the time that have layers of subtext, and the message is not for fans or media. Maybe he wants to pump up Williams’s confidence or light a fire in Swift. IDC. Everything they have been doing points to a 275 touch, 1300 yard Swift season.

Hoping this sort of silly season talk continues so as to depress Swift’s ADP in redraft.

 

[Mark Football]

Swift owners are going to learn to hate Jamaal much like Aaron Jones owners did. I think it’s possible his role is even bigger in Detroit than it was in Green Bay. 

Aaron Jones was RB 2 in 2019 and RB 5 in 2020. Jamal Williams never got in the way. And he will not get in the way of Swift. He's just not very good. 

 

[JoeJoe88]

Aaron Jones was RB 2 in 2019 and RB 5 in 2020. Jamal Williams never got in the way. And he will not get in the way of Swift. He's just not very good. 

Yes, in a much, much more efficient and explosive offense. Jones scored 16 tds the year he was RB2. Detroit is going to be bad. 

 

[Iceman03]

Aaron Jones was RB 2 in 2019 and RB 5 in 2020. Jamal Williams never got in the way. And he will not get in the way of Swift. He's just not very good. 

Swift owners are in a horrid denial. 2017 and 2018 Jamaal Williams started 15 games to Aaron Jones 12 games. It took an entirely new coaching staff to release Aaron Jones. Would I bet on Anthony Lynn and Dan Campbell to do stupid things? You’re damn right I would. 

 

[BobbyLayne]

5th year RB breakout coming.

Don’t say you weren’t warned D’Andre owners. Da Nile is not just a river in Egypt.

Releasing last years leading rusher and later an elite pass pro 3rd down RB with a year remaining on his rookie deal and then investing a first round pick on the best OT prospect of the last 8 drafts...what else can that possible mean except they’re about to hand the RB1 reigns over to a journeyman with $1M guaranteed salary for the next two years? We’re talking about a 4-yr vet who never surpassed his rookie year career highs of 565 rushing, 818 YFS, and 6 TDs.

Can’t believe anyone still thinks an elusive back who put up 878-10 in 13G with 5.5 YPT while playing 38% of the snaps is going to ascend to RB1 this year. He was RB18 overall last year and averaged 17.62 (top eight) his last 5 games; you don’t come to the logical conclusion his age 22 season will be a regression?

You people have been given notice.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Jamaal is such a transcendent talent Jones only managed RB2 and RB8 with Williams stealing his work. Be very afraid Swift owners.

 

[zamboni]

5th year RB breakout coming.

Don’t say you weren’t warned D’Andre owners. Da Nile is not just a river in Egypt.

Releasing last years leading rusher and later an elite pass pro 3rd down RB with a year remaining on his rookie deal and then investing a first round pick on the best OT prospect of the last 8 drafts...what else can that possible mean except they’re about to hand the RB1 reigns over to a journeyman with $1M guaranteed salary for the next two years? We’re talking about a 4-yr vet who never surpassed his rookie year career highs of 565 rushing, 818 YFS, and 6 TDs.

Can’t believe anyone still thinks an elusive back who put up 878-10 in 13G with 5.5 YPT while playing 38% of the snaps is going to ascend to RB1 this year. He was RB18 overall last year and averaged 17.62 (top eight) his last 5 games; you don’t come to the logical conclusion his age 22 season will be a regression?

You people have been given notice.

I agree for the most part, but can’t help but think that Campbell & Co. will give Jamaal a lot of play early on because he’s their guy. Eventually though (injuries aside), I expect that Swift will become hard to take off the field. And with the poor WR situation, they’re most likely going to need him particularly in that capacity.