RB Williams, LB Martin ruled out for Packers-49ers matchup Thursday

The Green Bay Packers will be even more shorthanded at running back Thursday night against San Francisco.

After rookie A.J. Dillon reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week, the Packers ruled running back Jamaal Williams and linebacker Kamal Martin as high-risk close contacts and placed them on the COVID-19 reserve list Tuesday.

Dillon, Martin and Williams will all miss Thursday night’s clash with San Francisco.

It’s a big loss for Green Bay’s backfield. With lead running back Aaron Jones sidelined with a calf injury, Williams started the past two games and logged 216 total yards and a touchdown against Houston and Minnesota.

If Jones can’t play once again, the Packers are left with two healthy running backs — Tyler Ervin and Dexter Williams – on their roster. Ervin has rushed twice for 21 yards and has caught six passes for 33 yards in 2020. Williams, who would need to be promoted from the practice squad, has five career rushing attempts for 11 yards (2.2 average).

Martin, a 2020 fifth-round pick by Green Bay, was activated off injured reserve before Week 7. He’s started the past two games at linebacker and registered nine tackles and one tackle for loss.