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Josh Jacobs Josh Jacobs Joined by third-round pick in backfield
Tue, Apr 30, 2024, 4:37 PM
The Packers drafted MarShawn Lloyd in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft to join Jacobs and AJ Dillon in their remade backfield, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic report.
Analysis: The decision to release Aaron Jones and sign Jacobs as a replacement likely had a lot to do with the latter being younger, larger and more capable of handling big workloads. It's nonetheless a bit difficult to project Jacobs' touch/snap counts for the upcoming season, as coach Matt LaFleur has almost always used a two-back approach when he's had his top two RBs healthy. On the other hand, there were many instances when LaFleur leaned heavily on Jones or Dillon, or Jamaal Williams before that, when one of Green Bay's top backs wasn't available, rather than giving a third-stringer a larger role. The extent of Jacobs' usage may depend on LaFleur's confidence in Dillon and/or Lloyd moreso than Jacobs' perceived ability to take on huge workloads. Dillon plodded through 2023 and has seen his YPC drop each of his seasons in the NFL, while Lloyd looks faster and more explosive but comes with glaring ball-security issues after fumbling eight times on 325 touches during his college career. |
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AJ Dillon AJ Dillon Facing added competition
Tue, Apr 30, 2024, 4:25 PM
Dillon is expected to face competition from third-round rookie MarShawn Lloyd for the Packers' No. 2 running back job behind Josh Jacobs, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Dillon re-signed with the Packers on a four-year qualifying offer and isn't even considered a lock to make the Packers' 53-man roster, per Schneidman. Dillon averaged a career-worst 3.4 yards per carry in 2023, scoring just two touchdowns. He also was inactive for both of the team's playoff games due to a neck stinger. Green Bay likely hopes Lloyd shows enough to pass Dillon on the depth chart. |
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Emanuel Wilson Emanuel Wilson Sticks in Green Bay as ERFA
Mon, Apr 15, 2024, 5:16 PM
The Packers re-signed Wilson on Monday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Analysis: An undrafted rookie in 2023, Wilson made the Packers' initial 53-man roster following the preseason and even mixed into seven regular-season games, taking 14 carries for 85 yards and hauling in four of five targets for 23 yards while working behind Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. Green Bay swapped out Jones for Josh Jacobs and also retained Dillon this offseason, meaning Wilson is poised for a similar role in the coming campaign, barring potential additions to the backfield in free agency or the draft. |
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Christian Watson Christian Watson Team optimistic after testing
Tue, Mar 26, 2024, 12:43 PM
The Packers feel like they have a better understanding of Watson's injury issues after he underwent a body scan at University of Wisconsin-Madison earlier this offseason, Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com reports.
Analysis: Hamstring problems resulted in multi-game absences three times during Watson's first two NFL seasons, and he was removed early from other contests with a concussion (Week 8 of 2022), chest injury (Week 9 of 2022), hip injury (Week 16 of 2022) and back/chest injury (Week 9 of 2023). It's a worrying list of medical problems for someone with only 953 career snaps -- essentially one season's worth -- but Watson has mostly been effective when available, catching 69 of 119 targets for 1,033 yards and 12 touchdowns and taking 11 carries for 91 yards and two additional scores. The 2022 second-round pick is part of one of the deepest group of pass catchers in the league, with Green Bay having six players who recorded over 350 receiving yards last season, all of them rookies or second-year pros. Watson's 4.36 speed is unique among that group, but durability and workload concerns remain a significant part of the fantasy equation even if the Packers are feeling more optimistic about his chances of staying relatively healthy in 2024. |
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AJ Dillon AJ Dillon Return to Green Bay official
Fri, Mar 15, 2024, 4:50 PM
Dillon (thumb/neck) officially re-signed with the Packers on Friday.
Analysis: After missing the final three games of last season due to a neck stinger, Dillon was in danger of moving on to a new organization following the completion of his rookie contract, but the 2020 second-round pick will remain in Green Bay on what's called the four-year qualifying contract, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. With his signing made official by the NFL, Dillon will emerge from the early days of the new league year as the Packers' current No. 2 running back behind newcomer Josh Jacobs, who is taking over for the departed Aaron Jones (Vikings). If he's in that role Week 1 of the upcoming campaign, Dillon likely would be poised for his workload from the last three years, which amounted to nearly 13.0 touches per game. |
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AJ Dillon AJ Dillon Returning to Green Bay
Thu, Mar 14, 2024, 5:31 PM
Dillon (thumb/neck) is in line to re-sign with the Packers, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Considering Dillon missed the last three games of the season (including playoffs) due to a neck stinger, his return to Green Bay is pending a physical. Assuming he clears that hurdle, he'll be a part of a revamped backfield with Josh Jacobs swapping in for Aaron Jones as the team's top runner. A 2020 second-round pick, Dillon averaged 59.8 yards from scrimmage per game and scored 16 total touchdowns in 49 contests over the last three campaigns. |
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Jordan Love Jordan Love Running back room revamped
Thu, Mar 14, 2024, 11:23 AM
Love is set to enter the 2024 season with a new-look backfield led by Josh Jacobs, who is slated to sign a four-year contract worth up to $48 million with the Packers, while Aaron Jones is moving on to Minnesota on a one-year contract, Kevin Patra of NFL.com reports.
Analysis: Green Bay replacing Jones with Jacobs isn't the only piece of notable backfield news, as AJ Dillon is currently a free agent and the team's only depth now consists of Emanuel Wilson and Ellis Merriweather. Jacobs is coming off a down season, with just 805 yards on 233 carries (six touchdowns), but he's only one year removed from having led the NFL with 1,653 yards rushing on 340 carries (12 scores). Perhaps most importantly, Jacobs does boast a true three-down skillset, making him an ideal fit for coach Matt LaFleur's scheme, and providing Love with a reliable bailout option and target in the short field. Jacobs has two seasons with 50-plus catches under his belt, and he's a perfect match for the play-action game in Green Bay. |
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Josh Jacobs Josh Jacobs To be top dog in Green Bay
Mon, Mar 11, 2024, 2:22 PM
Jacobs is slated to sign with the Packers and become the team's clear top running back, with Aaron Jones being released and AJ Dillon poised for free agency, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Analysis: Jacobs initially looked set to join Jones atop Green Bay's RB depth chart after agreeing to terms with the team, but he instead now has a clear path to a true workhorse role. It's still possible that Jones, or even Dillon, could end up re-signing with the Packers after testing the free-agent market, but it remains to be seen how much Green Bay will be willing to invest in the backfield after already making a one big splash in the form of Jacobs. Though he missed four games last season and was forced to overcome questionable quarterback play, Jacobs managed to accrue 1,101 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns in 2023. His 3.5 YPC was a career-worst mark, but at just 26 years old and only two years removed from having led the NFL with 1,653 rushing yards in 2022, Jacobs' ceiling upside as the true No. 1 back for the Packers could be tremendous. |
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Josh Jacobs Josh Jacobs Joining Jones in Green Bay
Mon, Mar 11, 2024, 1:15 PM
Jacobs is in line to sign a contract with the Packers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Analysis: Green Bay already has a No. 1 running back in place in Aaron Jones, but AJ Dillon just completed his rookie contract and is slated to move on now that the team is poised to ink Jacobs to a deal. Jacobs missed four games due to injury this past season but still managed to post 1,101 yards from scrimmage and six TDs on the ground for the Raiders, and he's just two years removed from pacing the NFL with 1,653 rushing yards. He'll join forces with Jones to form a formidable tandem out of the Packers backfield. |
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Tyler Davis Tyler Davis Returning to Green Bay
Mon, Mar 11, 2024, 12:16 PM
The Packers are in line to re-sign Davis, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Davis missed all of last season due to a torn ACL, but he's now expected to be cleared by the start of training camp, and potentially even earlier. The 2020 sixth-round pick is a core special-teams contributor for Green Bay. |
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AJ Dillon AJ Dillon Finishes on injured list
Fri, Feb 2, 2024, 11:04 AM
Dillon (thumb/neck) tallied 178 carries for 613 yards and two touchdowns while adding 22 receptions for 223 yards over 15 games in the 2023 season.
Analysis: Dillon saw action in Green Bay's first 14 games of the season, but a pair of injuries prevented him from playing in two of the team's last four regular-season games as well as both of its postseason contests. Dillon will be a free agent this offseason, and the Packers could try to bring him back. However, after Dillon averaged 5.3 YPC as a rookie, that number dipped each of the last three seasons and bottomed out at 3.4 in 2023; consequently, the team could well opt to go in a different direction. |
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Sean Clifford Sean Clifford Spends season as backup
Tue, Jan 23, 2024, 9:16 AM
Clifford completed one pass for 37 yards and had three carries for minus-2 yards over two appearances in the 2023 season.
Analysis: Clifford spent his entire rookie season backing up Jordan Love, and he made brief appearances in both Weeks 1 and 17 and another in Green Bay's playoff opener. With Love perhaps receiving a lucrative extension over the offseason, Clifford is well-positioned to remain a cost-effective backup. |
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Josiah Deguara Josiah Deguara Fills bit role in 2023
Mon, Jan 22, 2024, 9:12 PM
Deguara was targeted eight times and had eight receptions for 65 yards over 15 games in 2023.
Analysis: Deguara suited up for every game he was healthy for, but he was mainly limited to blocking duties and special teams. He will have a chance to return to Green Bay as a free agent, but the sides could go in different directions after four years. |
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Ben Sims Ben Sims Suits up for every game
Mon, Jan 22, 2024, 6:32 PM
Sims was targeted six times and caught four passes for 21 yards and a touchdown over 17 regular-season games in 2023.
Analysis: Sims spent his rookie season in a bit role, but he suited up for all 17 regular-season games and both playoff contests the Packers played, which is not too shabby for an undrafted rookie who was claimed off waivers shortly before the campaign began. It's going to be tough for Sims to move up the depth chart with both players ahead of him (Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft) also heading into their second seasons, but Sims likely will head into training camp with a good chance to retain a roster spot. |
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Luke Musgrave Luke Musgrave Concludes with three catches
Mon, Jan 22, 2024, 6:24 PM
Musgrave was targeted four times and caught three passes for 14 yards in Saturday's 24-21 loss to the 49ers.
Analysis: Musgrave showed his upside with a 52-yard, one-score showing in Green Bay's playoff opener at Dallas, but he did not make as much noise in the finale. The rookie second-rounder put his potential on display several times early in the season before missing six games due to a lacerated kidney. He returned in a reserve role Week 18 behind fellow rookie Tucker Kraft, but Musgrave did play ahead of Kraft prior to that. The two figure to compete for the top spot over the offseason, but regardless of how things shake out, expect both to factor heavily in 2024. |
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Malik Heath Malik Heath Makes 13 appearances as rookie
Mon, Jan 22, 2024, 6:17 PM
Heath was targeted 24 times and had 15 receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown over 13 regular-season games in 2023.
Analysis: The undrafted rookie earned himself a roster spot and hung onto it all season, and although he did not do a lot on the stat sheet he did have a few moments. He could have been more involved if Green Bay did not have a glut of productive receivers, but alas he finished his first season sixth on the depth chart at his position. All five wideouts ahead of him are set to return in 2024, but he figures to remain a part of the mix. |
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Grant DuBose Grant DuBose Staying with Green Bay
Mon, Jan 22, 2024, 5:00 PM
The Packers signed DuBose to a reserve/future contract Monday.
Analysis: DuBose spent most of his rookie season on Green Bay's practice squad, and now he'll get a chance to compete for a spot on its 53-man roster for 2024. He caught 63 passes for 787 yards and nine touchdowns at UNC-Charlotte in 2022. |
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Bo Melton Bo Melton Finds paydirt in finale
Mon, Jan 22, 2024, 4:14 PM
Melton was targeted once and caught one pass for 19 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 24-21 loss to the 49ers.
Analysis: Melton did not get many opportunities in Saturday's contest, but he made a couple big plays early in the third quarter, drawing a 41-yard pass interference penalty on the play right before he found pay dirt. He was mainly an afterthought until Week 16, but in the five games the Packers played from that point onward he racked up 17 receptions for 237 yards and two scores. It will be tough for Melton to make a major move up the depth chart in 2024 with all four wideouts ahead of him still under contract, but if Green Bay sticks with the same composition in the receiver room, he should head into training camp no worse than the fifth option at his position. |
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Dontayvion Wicks Dontayvion Wicks Ends with goose egg
Mon, Jan 22, 2024, 4:05 PM
Wicks was targeted twice but did not catch a pass in Saturday's 24-21 loss to the 49ers.
Analysis: Wicks entered Saturday's contest on a bit of a hot streak, but he did not make a mark outside of the targets in Green Bay's final game of the season. He did reach the end zone in his team's playoff opener, and over the final six games of the regular season, he averaged 3.7 receptions and 56.8 receiving yards while scoring three times. Every Packers wideout that finished the year on the roster is under contract for 2024, so it's tough to predict what role Wicks will open next season in. However, he made a major mark during his rookie campaign, and he figures to make a push for a starting spot in Year 2. |
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Patrick Taylor Patrick Taylor Finishes fourth on depth chart
Mon, Jan 22, 2024, 3:55 PM
Taylor had 32 carries for 141 yards and 11 receptions for 49 yards over 11 regular-season games in 2023.
Analysis: Taylor easily had his most productive campaign as a professional, as he set career highs nearly across the board and ran for a respectable 4.4 YPC. He's been a trusted back for the Packers since 2021, but he spent the early portion of the season on the practice squad and was even waived before being brought back in late November. There's a chance he could return to Green Bay for a fourth go-around, but he ended the season fourth on the depth chart, so it would not be surprising if the Packers opt to go in a different direction. |
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