The Green Bay Packers opened training camp thinking they had outstanding depth at the position, but now, with the season opener just a week away, the team is a bit thin at running back. Things may change as the season progresses, but right now, the Pack has very little proven depth behind starting running back Josh Jacobs. Here is a look at the Packers running back situation entering the season opener against the Eagles and why it’s one of the thinnest positions on the Packers roster.

Injuries Left This Position One of the Thinnest On the Packers Roster: Before Training Camp

Entering training camp, the Packers seemed to have plenty of depth at running back. The team had signed Jacobs to replace the departed Aaron Jones. Jacobs was considered one of the elite free agents available. He gave the team hope that they could replace Jones’ production on the field and perhaps some of his leadership off it.

The Packers also re-signed A.J. Dillon to a one-year, team-friendly contract. Dillon would give the team an experienced change of pace back who had a different running style than Jacobs.

GM Brian Gutekunst also selected running back MarShawn Lloyd in the third round of this year’s draft. Some scouts considered the USC alum the top running back available in this year’s draft. Lloyd averaged more than seven yards per carry in his final college season. The Packers were excited by his speed and cutback ability.

Also returning was second-year man Emauel Wilson. Wilson led the NFL in rushing yards last preseason but missed some time due to injury in 2023. He played just seven games but averaged 6.1-yards per attempt on just 14 carries.

Things Change During Preseason

Unfortunately, the Packers running backs struggled to stay healthy during the preseason. Lloyd suffered a hip injury early in training camp that kept him out of practice. He returned briefly before tweaking his hamstring. Lloyd has yet to return to action. On Thursday, he was the only player on the 53-man roster who did not participate in practice.

Then, Dillon suffered a stringer injury in the team’s joint practice with the Broncos before the second preseason contest. Dillon missed the final regular season game and both Packers playoff games last season due to a similar injury. The team was so concerned about Dillon’s injury that they placed him on injured reserve without a return designation. That effectively ended his 2024 season.

That leaves Jacobs and Wilson as the only two healthy running backs on the active roster. Earlier this week, the Pack signed Nate McCrary and Ellis Merriweather to the practice squad. Both players were with the team during training camp but neither is a proven NFL back.

Injuries Left This Position One of the Thinnest On the Packers Roster: The Situation Right Now

Heading into the season opener against the Eagles in Sao Paulo, Brazil, there is little doubt Jacobs will be the starter and get most of the carries. Because he is bigger and has been more durable than Jones over the course of his career, the coaching staff expects Jacobs to be able to be on the field for more snaps than Jones had in recent seasons.

Wilson will be the change-of-pace back, spelling Jacobs when he needs a break and to keep him fresh for the entire game.

But the biggest issue facing Wilson and eventually Lloyd when he’s ready to play, is what they do when they don’t have the football. Dillon was a very reliable blocker in pass protection and picked up blitzes well. He was also a surprisingly adept receiver out of the backfield.

While Wilson looked like a good receiver in limited chances during the preseason but his ability to pass block and pick up blitzes is unproven. Lloyd also has yet to prove himself a reliable blocker. Matt LaFleur and the coaching staff prioritize protecting quarterback Jordan Love. Keeping Love healthy and giving him time to throw is vital to the success of the season for Green Bay.

The Packers now lack a proven backup at running back, especially runners who can be relied upon to protect the quarterback. If Jacobs were to be sidelined, the team would be forced to use an unproven running back to carry the football. The running back room has plenty of talent, but lack players who have a track record at doing the little things required of the position.

 

 

 

Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers

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