Green Bay Packers: 5 Bold predictions for Week 9 vs. 49ers
5. Tyler Ervin fills in with 125+ total yards
With Aaron Jones (listed as questionable), Jamaal Williams and AJ Dillon all likely missing Thursday night’s game, the Packers are left with Tyler Ervin and Dexter Williams, who the team activated off the practice squad, at running back against San Francisco. And on some level, that might mean that Green Bay simply doesn’t rely on the run game much.
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Having said that, Ervin is a player who I first imagine will see the field more than Williams and who also has been with Green Bay for quite a while. Primarily used as a return man, he has showcased that he has a bit of juice and the ability to make plays in space. Subsequently, he should be used not only as a ball-carrier but as a pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Given the injuries on the 49ers defensive line and with Kwon Alexander now a member of the Saints after the NFL trade deadline, this isn’t the same defense that we’re used to seeing. Moreover, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has shown an affinity for using his running backs in numerous ways.
Ervin likely won’t end up with a full workload as he splits snaps with Williams but I believe he finds success in primetime. The backup will step up and embody the next-man-up mentality and produce well, totaling 125 yards between the rushing and passing attacks on the night.