The Green Bay Packers enter training camp with more uncertainty at running back than they’ve faced in years. Josh Jacobs remains the starter, but his contract structure and offseason controversy, combined with the loss of Emanuel Wilson in free agency and Marshawn Lloyd’s injury history, creates a short-term and long-term puzzle for general manager Brian Gutekunst. Green Bay’s running back depth chart lacks a clear No. 2 option, and the path forward depends on several variables that won’t be resolved until well into the 2025 season.

Jacobs is still the guy, but for how long?

Jacobs is still a high-level, versatile, and complete running back. There were some signs of regression last season, with his yards per carry dropping from 4.4 to 4.0, but the offensive line blocking wasn’t as strong either. He remains highly capable as a runner and receiver.

The bigger question surrounds his contract. Jacobs signed a four-year, $48 million deal when he arrived in 2024 free agency, but the guarantees were limited to the $12.5 million signing bonus paid that first year. He’s slated to make $11.5 million this year and $13.5 million next year, all without guarantees. If the Packers release him next offseason, Green Bay would save that $13.5 million with only $3.125 million in dead money. If Jacobs doesn’t play well this season, it’s pretty reasonable to expect the Packers would move on.

Jacobs was arrested during the offseason, and at this point, it remains unclear whether he’ll face a suspension or whether the situation will escalate. That adds another layer of concern to an already complicated picture at the top of the depth chart.

Lloyd’s ceiling and the health gamble

MarShawn Lloyd is the player with the highest ceiling in this group behind Jacobs. The Packers drafted Lloyd in the third round two years ago, but he’s barely played in the NFL because of multiple injuries, particularly hamstring problems.

The expectation is that Lloyd has identified the root cause of those recurring issues. He was overcompensating in practice after suffering an ACL injury in college, creating tension in the affected region. Now fully recovered, the hope is that a more balanced practice workload will keep him healthy through the regular season.

That’s still a wait-and-see situation. But if Lloyd can stay on the field, he has the talent to become a viable change-of-pace option behind Jacobs and perhaps a long-term starter for the Packers.

The depth behind them

Chris Brooks returns after re-signing with the Packers on a two-year deal. Brooks profiles more as an RB3 than a true backup. He’s not a great runner, but he’s one of the best blocking and blitz-pickup running backs in the NFL. That makes him a viable roster piece, even if he’s not the answer as a featured complement to Jacobs.

Beyond Brooks, three other running backs on the 90-man roster will compete for practice squad spots or, if they impress, a place on the 53-man roster.

Damien Martinez was a seventh-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks last year. The Packers believed in his talent enough to sign him to the practice squad, then re-signed him in January. He has the ceiling to become a bottom-of-the-roster contributor.

Pierre Strong Jr. already spent time with Green Bay last season after stints with the New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns. Strong didn’t appear in any regular-season games for the Packers, but he knows the system and represents the safest bet in terms of floor for a practice squad role. Jaden Nixon is an undrafted rookie who received some guarantees on his contract, signaling the front office sees talent and potential. He’s competing for a practice squad spot for now.

The depth isn’t necessarily the problem, and the concern sits at the top of the chart. Without a proven backup behind Jacobs, any missed time from the starter leaves Green Bay relying on players who haven’t produced at the NFL level yet. Lloyd has the talent to change that equation, but he has to prove he can stay healthy first.