The Green Bay Packers are going to have a new primary running back in 2024. Earlier this offseason, they signed free agent running back Josh Jacobs, the 2022 NFL rushing leader, to a four-year $48 million contract. Hours later, the Packers released the franchise’s third all-time leading rusher, Aaron Jones, who subsequently signed with the Minnesota Vikings.
The signing of Jacobs was a popular one among Packers fans, but the divorce between Jones and the organization has left a bitter taste in their mouths. For a few short hours, fans fantasized about an offense that boasted both Jacobs and Jones as the top two running backs. Obviously, it was not to be.
The Green Bay Packers Set Up a Competition for AJ Dillon to Earn the Backup Running Back Job
In a somewhat surprising move, the Packers also re-signed AJ Dillon, who has been Green Bay’s backup running back for the last three seasons. The decision to bring Dillon back was a shock to many because of the down year that he had last year. In fact, his production has decreased in each year following the 2021 season.
In 2021, Dillon had 1,116 all-purpose yards while averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He also scored seven total touchdowns. The next year, he had 976 all-purpose yards while averaging 4.1 yards per carry, which obviously was a slight dip; but he did have seven rushing touchdowns.
Last season, though, Dillon gained just 836 all-purpose yards while averaging a woeful 3.4 yards per carry. He also recorded just two touchdowns.
This is why bringing Dillon back was so surprising. He has yet to match the level of production that he had on the field when he first took over the backup role. However, the Packers were not going to just hand him the job in 2024.
The Green Bay Packers Have 2 Young Running Backs to Compete with AJ Dillon
The Packers also brought back Emanuel Wilson, the 2023 NFL preseason rushing champion. He made the 53-man roster last season, but rarely played as the team’s third running back.
Additionally, Green Bay used their third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on Marshawn Lloyd out of USC. There were many who believed that Lloyd would surpass both Wilson and Dillon and earn the backup running back job. Many of those same people believed that Wilson would beat out Dillon and the Packers would cut him.
After all, Dillon barely counts over $1 million on the salary cap.
But Lloyd has struggled with injuries throughout training camp. First, he missed time with a hip injury and then was taken out of the game against the Cleveland Browns with a hamstring issue.
There is no current timetable for when he will be able to return to play.
The Green Bay Packers Did Not Have AJ Dillon Play Against the Denver Broncos
The Packers decided to rest their starters and key players for their second preseason game, this contest against the Denver Broncos. This meant that Jordan Love, Jacobs, their top four wide receivers, and defensive starters were not suiting up to play.
One of the players who was also held out for this reason was AJ Dillon.
Despite gaining just two yards on four carries last week, it seemed as if his low usage was an indicator that the coaches and front office had already decided that Dillon would make the team.
The fact that he was held out of the game in Denver confirms that notion. The backup running back competition is over.
The question now is if Lloyd can get healthy to compete for the third running back job or if he will be placed on injured reserve to start the season.
