The Green Bay Packers made a major change to their running back room during this NFL offseason. One of their first free agent signings of the year came when they agreed to a four-year $48 million contract with 2022 NFL rushing leader Josh Jacobs. Hours later, they announced that they had cut the third all-time leading rush in franchise history, Aaron Jones.
While fans were heartbroken to see Jones go, it was made worse by the fact that he agreed to a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings a few days later.
Green Bay also re-signed 2020 second-round pick AJ Dillon, who had a down year last season in the final year of his rookie deal. He turned down more money from other teams in order to stay in Green Bay.
Of course, the Packers also still have Emanuel Wilson, who was an undrafted free agent that made the Packers 53-man roster last year. However, they also went out and drafted Marshawn Lloyd in the third round of this year’s NFL Draft.
The Green Bay Packers Need Healthy Depth at Running Back
While Jones was a fan-favorite, he was healthy enough to play in just 11 games last season. It is true that Jones ran for 100+ yards in five consecutive games to end the year (including Green Bay’s two games in the NFL Playoffs), but as he is entering his age 30 season, the Packers wanted him to take a pay cut.
The problem with Jones’ injuries last season was not just the fact that they kept a dynamic running back off the field, but also that Green Bay lacked decent depth behind him.
Dillon had the worst season of his career last year, rushing for 613 yards and averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. In his previous three seasons, Dillon averaged 5.3, 4.3, and 4.1 yards per carry respectively.
Wilson appeared in seven games, but only received 14 carries. He made the most of them, rushing for 85 yards (6.1 yards per carry). However, the 2023 NFL preseason rushing leader must contend with Lloyd, who broke a 50-yard touchdown run during practice on Thursday.
Green Bay Packers Running Back Josh Jacobs Has a Groin Injury
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
As for Jacobs, he himself is looking to rebound from a down year in 2023 that saw him miss the last four games of the season due to a quad injury. He finished last season with 805 rushing yards and six touchdowns while averaging a miserable 3.5 yards per carry.
It was a far cry from the 2022 season which saw him lead the NFL with 1,653 rushing yards while averaging 4.9 yards per carry.
Green Bay is hoping that they get the 2022 version of Jacobs, especially since he was able to stay healthy that year.
Jacobs, unfortunately, is battling an early groin injury in training camp. He was held out of practice on Thursday as a result:
Josh Jacobs (yellow hat) is not practicing today because of a groin injury. pic.twitter.com/0mCsFvEoeR
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) August 1, 2024
There is no word yet on how much time the Packers expect Jacobs to miss.
For More Great Football Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here!
