(Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
This could be a big season for the Green Bay Packers, a franchise many thought would be in for an extended rebuilding period just one year ago.
After they traded longtime franchise quarterback Aaron Rodgers, successor Jordan Love had plenty of doubters, but he is now considered one of the NFL’s brightest young players after finishing 2023 with a flurry and an appearance in the divisional round of the playoffs.
However, the Packers have suffered a sizable blow to their hopes of a successful 2024 season, as it was announced that running back AJ Dillon will miss the entire year because of a neck injury.
Packers RB AJ Dillon (neck) placed on IR and will miss the 2024 season. pic.twitter.com/DgJfk99WhX
— NFL (@NFL) August 27, 2024
Dillon has been a big part of the Packers’ offense for the past four years, forming one half of a solid tag-team duo with Aaron Jones, who is now with the NFC North-rival Minnesota Vikings.
Last season, Dillon ran for 613 yards and two touchdowns while starting six of his 15 games while Jones was injured.
Dillon’s injury will put more of an onus on Josh Jacobs, who was signed as a free agent in March, to have a big year and carry the load.
Jacobs led the NFL with 1,653 rushing yards in the 2022 season for the Las Vegas Raiders, but last year he dipped to 805 rushing yards in 13 games.
His production will be key to allowing Green Bay’s young, promising wide receivers — Dontayvion Wicks, Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson and Jayden Reed — to develop.
Right now, Jacobs’ backup is slated to be MarShawn Lloyd, a rookie who was taken in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. It was though Lloyd might start the season on injured reserve but that no longer looks to be the case.
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