Aaron Jones left the Green Bay Packers’ game on Sunday with an injury that looked like it might end his season. After coming out of the medical tent, Jones was seen crying on the sidelines. Packers fans and fantasy football managers alike were obviously concerned about the star running back.

Now that we have the MRI results calling it a mild MCL sprain, what should fantasy managers expect from Jones for the remainder of the season?

Aaron Jones injury timeline

This isn’t the first time that Jones has had an MCL sprain. In 2018, Jones sprained his MCL and missed two weeks. Now that he’s dealing with a “mild” sprain, the expectation is that he will miss 1-2 weeks. It’s a much better outcome than what was originally feared.

In terms of what the Packers will do with Jones, there is still plenty that remains to be seen. We’re heading into Week 11, and Green Bay has a Week 13 bye.

On the surface, it makes sense for the Packers to hold Jones out through their bye, giving him three full weeks to rest and get ready to go for the playoff run.

However, the Packers have a Week 12 date with the Los Angeles Rams, which could have major playoff-seeding implications. If Jones has healed up enough by then, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him suit up for that game.

What should fantasy managers do with Jones?

If you roster Jones and are in need of immediate help at the running back position to make a fantasy playoff run, don’t hesitate to trade him. Try looking at one of the lead teams in your league and see if they can afford to roster Jones for the fantasy playoffs. If that manager has some depth to spare, a trade might make sense for both parties.

If you are in that lead position in your league, the trade makes sense for you too. Jones is one of the best running backs in football. He’ll be back in plenty of time for the fantasy playoffs. He’s someone that I am actively targeting in leagues where I feel confident of my playoff chances.

Jones’ playoff schedule

Jones is the RB7 in half-PPR scoring on the season, despite having only 4 touchdowns through 10 weeks. Even against tough run defenses, he’s thrived, aided by his heavy utilization in the passing game. Jones in matchup proof.

In the fantasy playoffs, Jones will face Baltimore on the road in Week 15, Cleveland at home in Week 16, and Minnesota at home in Week 17.

In terms of fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, the Ravens allow the 11th-most, the Browns allow the 18th-most, and the Vikings (championship week) allow the sixth-most.

It’s a strong playoff schedule. Whether you have him and are holding, or you’re looking to trade for him, Jones should be a league-winner in the playoffs.