Packers have an intriguing solution at home for their NFL-worst rushing attack after three weeks of struggles
Green Bay’s running backs rank 32nd in rush EPA through three weeks, and a familiar practice squad option posted better preseason numbers than every back on the active roster.
The Green Bay Packers enter Week 4 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the worst rushing attack in the NFL, and the solution might already be on their practice squad. Running back Pierre Strong Jr. has been with the franchise since last season, and his preseason production suggests he deserves a look after MarShawn Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson, and Chris Brooks have all failed to generate consistent yardage on the ground.
Preseason numbers show he deserves a chance
Throughout three preseason games, Strong posted 3.00 yards after contact per attempt. Lloyd managed 2.5 over the same stretch, and Brooks was the worst among Packers running backs at 1.6.
Strong also led the Packers in PFF’s elusive rating, a signature stat measuring a runner’s success and impact with the ball independently of blocking. Strong earned a 75.0 elusive rating, while Lloyd was second at 62.5. Brooks trailed at 26.7. Johnson was not part of the preseason equation because he was with the Pittsburgh Steelers at the time. Among the backs available during the preseason, Strong was the one who could generate the most by himself on the Packers.
The run game problem runs deeper than blocking
After three weeks, the Packers rank 17th in run block win rate according to ESPN. The offensive line is not necessarily creating holes and space for the running backs, but the run blocking is only slightly below average. The pass blocking is the worst in the NFL by win rate, but the ground game issues are not entirely on the line.
The Packers rank 32nd in rush EPA and 29th in rush success rate. The running backs are not generating plays by themselves. If the offensive line is just below average in run blocking and Green Bay still has the worst run game in the league, that falls partially on the backs. Strong’s profile as a contact-breaker and independent playmaker could help elevate the unit.
Strong was a fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2022 and was later traded to the Cleveland Browns. In regular season games throughout his NFL career, he has 99 attempts for 499 yards, averaging 5.0 yards per attempt with 3.13 yards after contact per attempt.
Those numbers suggest Strong has the potential to outperform Lloyd, Johnson, and Brooks in terms of running the ball, generating explosive plays, and maximizing what the offensive line gives him.
Packers have roster flexibility to utilize Strong
A team can elevate a player from the practice squad for gameday up to three times throughout the regular season. The Packers could use Strong in that capacity over the next few games without committing a 53-man roster spot. After those three elevations, they can promote him to the active roster if warranted.
By the time those three weeks pass, Green Bay would also have more clarity regarding the Josh Jacobs situation. Strong is right there on the practice squad, ready to be used, and the Packers’ rushing numbers suggest they have nothing to lose by giving him an opportunity against Tampa Bay.
