Paul Bretl | 9/20/2024
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Entering Week 3 of the regular season, the Packers’ running back room looks quite different than what was expected just six weeks ago.
While Josh Jacobs continues to lead the way and shoulder a heavy workload after carrying the ball 32 times in the team’s win over Indianapolis, the committee behind him has drastically changed. Over the summer, expected to see snaps either in relief of Jacobs or with him on the field were rookie third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd and AJ Dillon.
As several Packers coaches have described, Lloyd brings a different element to the backfield, and you can see that when he has the ball in his hands with his ability to make a quick cut and then accelerate. Dillon, meanwhile, had carved out a versatile role in the Packers offense as a blocker, ball carrier, and pass catcher, which included some split-back looks with Jacobs.
“We had a pretty clear vision for what he could do,” said Matt LaFleur about Dillon after he was placed on IR, “and it wasn’t just going to be as a runner. The versatility is what I was most excited about, just being able to do a lot of different things in regards to some of the stuff we did a year ago with him when we had some of our two halfback sets.”
However, unfortunately, Dillon was placed on season-ending injured reserve during roster cuts and Lloyd was put on injured reserve earlier this week with an ankle injury–forcing him to miss at least the next four games.
In the place of Dillon and Lloyd are now Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks, who was signed to the practice squad just over a week ago and then to the 53-man roster once Lloyd went on IR.
Since arriving in Green Bay last summer, it seems like every time Wilson touches the ball good things happen, and that has continued two games into the regular season. On nine carries against Philadelphia and Indianapolis, Wilson is averaging 6.1 yards per attempt.
The burst he brings with the ball has always been evident, but when it comes to earning steady playing time, Wilson’s ability in the passing game, both as a pass-catching option and a blocker, are where improvement has been needed. However, slowly but surely, Wilson has been taking advantage of his opportunities and earning the trust of the coaches.
“A lot more comfortable,” said LaFleur when asked how he feels about relying on Wilson. “I think he’s done a good job and he continues to get better and when given opportunities I think he’s maximized those. So for him it’s just about being consistent down in and down out and making sure you’re doing all the little things on a day to day, but I’ve got a lot of confidence in E.”
Although Brooks has barely been in Green Bay, he’s made a quick impact and a good first impression. A 2023 undrafted rookie out of BYU, In 19 carries over four games with Miami as a rookie, Brooks showcased his big play ability, averaging 5.9 yards per rush with nine missed tackles forced, two rushes of 15-plus yards, including a 52-yard run.
However, while how Brooks performs with the ball in his hands is important, his ability to help on special teams along with how quickly he’s picked up and adjusted to the Packers’ offense has caught the attention of LaFleur.
“Very, very impressed,” said LaFleur about Brooks on Wednesday. “He was a guy that we were looking at toward the end as a potential guy that we would be interested in. Had the situation come up, and I’ve been super-impressed with him.
“He’s a very serious guy about ball and I love his running style. He runs with a good forward lean, he’s got great body control, he can stick his foot in the ground and he’s one of those one-cut runners. I think he’s really intelligent so he’s picked up our protections no problem. I’m excited about him. And he brings value in the third phase of ball, as well, on we-fense.”
As was going to be the plan regardless of who the second and third running backs on the roster are, Jacobs will be the focal point at the position. However, at a position where depth has become increasingly important around the league to limit wear and tear, the Packers do feel good about the options they have behind Jacobs in Wilson and Brooks.
“Well one thing with Emanuel, whatever we’ve asked him to do so far, he’s done a really good job,” said offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich. “He had some good pass protection plays in the last game. Any time we hand him the ball, he runs hard, he protects the ball. So I’m happy with what Emanuel’s done and I’m excited to see him as the season progresses how good he can be.
“Chris has done a good job in practice the last two weeks, so yeah, he’s a guy that’s played in some games, so it’s not like it’s not like it’s his first time that he’s gonna be out there doing stuff. So yeah, I’m excited about those guys.”
This week on the schedule is a matchup with a big and physical Titans defensive front that is surrendering just 4.0 yards per rush–the 10-lowest average in football through two games. Success on the ground is always important, but the need for it gets magnified if Malik Willis is again under center.
When it comes to how many carries Jacobs sees compared to Wilson and potentially Brooks, that will remain fluid depending on how Jacobs feels and what the game flow is dictating. If the game dictates Jacobs getting 25-plus touches, the Packers will go down that path. If not, then there is confidence in Wilson and Brooks to handle what is asked of them.
“I don’t want to necessarily say that because every situation’s a little bit different,” said LaFleur when asked if 30 carries is generally too many. “If you’re feeding a guy and he’s doing well and he’s feeling great, why wouldn’t you keep doing that? I think you’ve got to adjust. If he’s being effective and he can handle the wear and tear, then we’ll certainly continue to do that.”