It's one of the more entertaining rivalries of the last 30ish years, with some great matchups between Favre and Young, Rodgers and Kaepernick, and plenty of other big-name players. But both teams were injury-riddled even before today, and now it's fair to wonder if the game will be played tomorrow night.
The 49ers shut their facility down today after a positive COVID test. For now, the game is still on as scheduled, and the Packers will be getting on a plane to travel there in a few hours. But there's enough uncertainty still (a positive test or two tomorrow, perhaps) that fantasy teams should make some decisions accordingly, both tonight and tomorrow.
Mason Crosby, for example, looks good as a kicking option. He's available in plenty of leagues after being dropped last week while questionable with an injury. But I would hesitate to pick up even a decent kicker choice from a game that might not be played.
Kendrick Bourne has been ruled out of this game after testing positive for COVID. He was in line to be their No. 2 behind Brandon Aiyuk, but instead it will be a lesser player; Richie James or Trent Taylor. Aiyuk will certainly command a lot of defensive attention, but he'll be heavily targeted, and they'll manufacture lots of easy touches. Assuming the game is played as scheduled.
Green Bay won't have Jamaal Williams or AJ Dillon, also for COVID concerns. We're guessing Aaron Jones will play, but it's not certain. Tyler Ervin and Dexter Williams are about as likely to share the work at running back.
San Francisco won't have injured Deebo Samuel, Jimmy Garoppolo, Tevin Coleman, Raheem Mostert or Jeff Wilson. Should be a JaMycal Hasty and Jerick McKinnon backfield, taking handoffs or short passes from Nick Mullens.
No George Kittle and we’re hoping Jordan Reed will be available. But it’s not certain: might be Ross Dwelley instead. I’m adding Reed tonight where I can, but not certain he’ll play in Week 9.
Make sure to check the inactives (and NFL news) before counting on any players from this game, and tread carefully with waiver adds tonight. If there are more positive tests, first recourse will be to push the game back a day or two, as was done with Buffalo-Kansas City a couple of weeks back. Green Bay has already had its bye, and the league is trying hard to avoid a Week 18. But I think the possibility of the game not being played this week needs to be considered.
--Andy Richardson