This might be a giant season for the Inexperienced Bay Packers, a franchise many thought could be in for an prolonged rebuilding interval only one yr in the past.
After they traded longtime franchise quarterback Aaron Rodgers, successor Jordan Love had loads of doubters, however he’s now thought-about one of many NFL’s brightest younger gamers after ending 2023 with a flurry and an look within the divisional spherical of the playoffs.
Nonetheless, the Packers have suffered a large blow to their hopes of a profitable 2024 season, because it was introduced that operating again AJ Dillon will miss your entire yr due to a neck damage.
Packers RB AJ Dillon (neck) positioned on IR and can miss the 2024 season. pic.twitter.com/DgJfk99WhX
— NFL (@NFL) August 27, 2024
Dillon has been a giant a part of the Packers’ offense for the previous 4 years, forming one half of a strong tag-team duo with Aaron Jones, who’s now with the NFC North-rival Minnesota Vikings.
Final season, Dillon ran for 613 yards and two touchdowns whereas beginning six of his 15 video games whereas Jones was injured.
Dillon’s damage will put extra of an onus on Josh Jacobs, who was signed as a free agent in March, to have a giant yr and carry the load.
Jacobs led the NFL with 1,653 speeding yards within the 2022 season for the Las Vegas Raiders, however final yr he dipped to 805 speeding yards in 13 video games.
His manufacturing will probably be key to permitting Inexperienced Bay’s younger, promising vast receivers — Dontayvion Wicks, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson and Jayden Reed — to develop.
Proper now, Jacobs’ backup is slated to be MarShawn Lloyd, a rookie who was taken within the third spherical of the 2024 NFL Draft. It was although Lloyd may begin the season on injured reserve however that not seems to be to be the case.
