The Green Bay Packers have been dealt a significant blow as veteran running back AJ Dillon has been placed on injured reserve with no designation to return, signaling the end of his season before it even began. Dillon, a key figure in the Packers’ backfield, sustained a stinger during the preseason, an injury that has kept him sidelined for over a week. This latest development casts a shadow over both Dillon’s immediate future and the team’s prospects for the 2024 season.
The Stinger Strikes Again: A Lingering Threat
This isn’t the first time Dillon has been plagued by a stinger—a nerve injury that typically results from trauma to the neck or shoulder. Last season, Dillon missed three crucial games due to a similar injury, raising concerns about his long-term durability. The Packers, while publicly cautious, opted not to provide a concrete timeline for his return, choosing instead to gather multiple medical opinions. This approach underscores the severity of Dillon’s condition and the potential risk it poses to his playing career.
With this latest setback, Dillon’s absence extends into his fifth NFL season, a critical year for the running back who once showed flashes of brilliance. Drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Dillon was envisioned as a potential successor to Aaron Jones, a player capable of carrying the load as a feature back. However, despite his occasional standout performances, Dillon never fully ascended beyond the role of a No. 2 option in the Packers’ offense.
A Changing of the Guard: Running Back Depth Under Scrutiny
Entering the 2024 season, the Packers had penciled Dillon in as the backup to Josh Jacobs, especially with the team’s new rookie running back, MarShawn Lloyd, struggling with his own injury—a hamstring issue that has kept him off the field for several weeks. Lloyd, drafted in the third round, was expected to bring fresh energy to the Packers’ running game. However, his hamstring injury has thrown a wrench into those plans, leaving the Packers with limited options.
The Packers’ initial 53-man roster includes Lloyd, despite his injury, alongside Emanuel Wilson, a second-year undrafted running back who has shown promise in limited opportunities. The team’s decision to carry Lloyd despite his injury indicates their belief in his potential, but it also highlights the precarious nature of their running back situation. With Dillon out and Lloyd sidelined, the Packers may need to rely more heavily on Wilson or look to add depth through free agency.
Dillon’s Uncertain Future: What Lies Ahead?
Dillon’s journey with the Packers has been a rollercoaster of expectations and realities. After signing a one-year deal in the offseason, just above the veteran minimum, Dillon was expected to solidify his place in Green Bay’s backfield. Now, with his season prematurely ended, questions loom about his future not only with the Packers but in the NFL as a whole. Will Dillon be able to recover fully and return to the form that once made him a promising prospect? Or will this injury mark the beginning of the end for his career in Green Bay?
Surprises on the Roster: A Kicking Conundrum
The Packers’ initial roster decisions also raised eyebrows, particularly with the inclusion of veteran kicker Greg Joseph and the surprising release of Anders Carlson, a 2023 draft pick. Carlson’s performance over the summer appeared to justify his spot on the roster; he converted 61 of 75 field goals, boasting an impressive 81.3% success rate. In contrast, Joseph, who joined the team with a field-goal percentage of 78.4% (58-of-74), didn’t have as strong a summer showing.
Carlson, who had been seen as a potential long-term solution at kicker, struggled with consistency last season, missing field goals in nine of the final 12 games. The Packers’ decision to part ways with him suggests they are prioritizing experience and reliability as they head into the new season. However, Joseph’s position as the starting kicker is far from secure. Should a more appealing option become available through waivers or free agency, the Packers may still make a change before Week 1.
The Quarterback Shuffle: Malik Willis Joins the Fold
In another notable move, the Packers officially confirmed the acquisition of quarterback Malik Willis from the Tennessee Titans. In exchange, Green Bay sent a 2025 seventh-round pick to Tennessee, securing Willis as their new backup quarterback. This trade signifies a fresh start for Willis, who struggled to find his footing with the Titans. The Packers’ decision to keep only two quarterbacks—Jordan Love and Willis—on their initial 53-man roster indicates a high level of confidence in their ability to develop Willis as a solid backup.
However, the releases of Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt leave the Packers with limited depth at the quarterback position. It’s possible that one of these players could be re-signed to the practice squad, providing an additional option should the need arise during the season. For now, though, the spotlight is firmly on Willis as he works to learn the Packers’ offense and integrate himself into the team’s culture.
Looking Forward: Navigating Uncertainty
As the 2024 season approaches, the Green Bay Packers find themselves in a period of transition and uncertainty. The loss of AJ Dillon, coupled with the ongoing injury concerns surrounding their running backs, places added pressure on the team to perform. Additionally, the questions surrounding their kicking game and quarterback depth add to the challenges ahead.
The Packers’ ability to adapt and overcome these obstacles will be crucial to their success this season. With veteran leadership, strategic roster moves, and perhaps a bit of luck, Green Bay will aim to navigate these uncertainties and remain competitive in what promises to be a challenging NFL season.