Packers-49ers set to be played Thursday night after latest Covid tests

The Packers will play the 49ers tonight as planned.

Despite players on both teams being placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, tonight’s game between the Green Bay Packers and San Francisco 49ers will go ahead as planned.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the “game is slated to be on”.

However, given the number of players out for both teams, it may feel like a preseason game with backups being played at multiple positions.

The Packers will be without running backs Jamaal Williams and AJ Dillon, as well as linebacker Kamal Martin (all on reserve/COVID-19 list). They’ve also ruled out cornerback Kevin King and safeties Vernon Scott and Will Redmond due to injury.

Tackles David Bakhtiari and Rick Wagner, as well as running back Aaron Jones and safety Raven Greene are all questionable to play tonight.

But as bad as the injury and COVID-19 situation may seem for the Packers, it’s even worse for the 49ers.

San Francisco has placed wide receivers Kendrick Bourne, Deebo Samuel, and Brandon Aiyuk, as well as tackle Trent Williams all on the reserve/COVID-19 list. They are all out of tonight’s game.

Due to injury, the 49ers have also ruled out quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, tight end George Kittle, running back Tevin Coleman, and linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles. One of their only active wide receivers remaining who could play, Richie James, is questionable due to an ankle injury.

And that’s before we consider the players the 49ers have on injured reserve. It might take all day to list all of their players on IR, but some key names include Nick Bosa, Dee Ford, Raheem Mostert, Richard Sherman, and Solomon Thomas.

For many reasons, this game will be very different than January’s NFC title game. But all signs are pointing to the game going ahead as planned later tonight.