Packers view on offensive position clashes with growing outside concern about what comes next
Running back was externally perceived as an offseason need, but the front office and coaching staff look ready to roll with what they have.
The Green Bay Packers live an interesting situation at running back. Starter Josh Jacobs is a Pro Bowl-caliber player, but he’s starting to get older and this is a pivotal year for his future with the organization. The team didn’t tender Emanuel Wilson, allowing him to walk in free agency to sign with the Seattle Seahawks.
But while the position was a perceived need to some extent during the offseason, the front office and coaching staff seem to be comfortable rolling with what they have behind Jacobs.
That’s Chris Brooks, who was a RB3 last year known for his pass-blocking abilities — he earned a two-year extension; MarShawn Lloyd, who’s barely played in the NFL due to multiple injuries; Pierre Strong Jr. and Damien Martinez, who both finished last season on the practice squad. The only addition was undrafted rookie Jaden Nixon.
Chris Brooks is the key to their comfort
While Brooks isn’t necessarily a star player, he’s the ideal backup. He’s a viable runner and can pass protect at an extremely high level on late downs, in addition to his value as a special teamer.
“Chris runs hard. I like how he run,” said offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich. “He runs with a great mindset, and he’s ready. The one thing about him is he can wear all the different hats that you need when playing running back. He can protect, he can run the ball. He does a really nice job when we play with two tailbacks in there, him blocking, him carrying the ball. So yeah, he’s a pretty versatile player, which is cool, and I’m glad we have him back this year for sure.”
It might not look as Brooks is an efficient runner. However, he was pretty much that last year. He obviously didn’t have nearly as many attempts as Jacobs or even Emanuel Wilson, but he led the room in yards after contact per attempt (3.15). His 86.9 run block grade by PFF was second in the entire NFL, just behind former Packer Aaron Jones. Brooks might not generate explosive plays, but his consistency on a down to down basis is probably good enough for the role he is expected to have.
Wait and see mode with Lloyd
The Packers would love to have MarShawn Lloyd in the mix, because he is the running back with the highest long-term ceiling in the room. However, it’s unrealistic to count on him after so many injuries. At this point, the team can only wait and hope.
“We’re very optimistic, but we’ve all been optimistic before,” said Packers running backs coach Ben Sirmans. “So we just gotta wait and see.”
The question marks around Lloyd are, obviously, if he can stay healthy at all. But also, even if he’s healthy enough to play, how explosive he still is. Last preseason, while he did have an explosive 33-yard reception (in which he got hurt again), he only had 15 yards in six rushing attempts (2.33 yards after contact per attempt).
Despite the issues and uncertainties, the Packers don’t have to rush a decision on Lloyd’s future because he’s under contract through 2027.
“You always kind of have to reset,” Stenavich explained. “Whatever’s happened in the past, you’ve got to reset and just take it one day at a time. You really do, especially in a situation like that where a guy’s gone through as many injuries as he has. I’m excited for him and yeah, I’m really hopeful that everything just keeps progressing the way it’s going.”
The Packers don’t have a deep running back room, especially thinking beyond 2026. But at least for now, they will evaluate the situation throughout the offseason program and training camp before making definitive proclamations.