GREEN BAY (WLUK) — There’s no question the Green Bay Packers’ number one running back is Josh Jacobs, but who will back him up this season is where things get interesting.
The Packers want 2024 third round draft pick MarShawn Lloyd to fill that spot. However, Lloyd has been unable to stay healthy.
On Sunday, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Lloyd is expected to “miss some time” after hurting his hamstring in the preseason game against the Colts.
“You know, it’s just for whatever reason, unfortunate occurrences for him,” Packers running backs coach Ben Sirmans said.
While the numerous injuries are frustrating for Lloyd, they’ve opened the door for other running backs, like Emanuel Wilson, to compete for the number two spot. The third-year back admitted he made some mistakes in Saturday’s game versus Indianapolis — like not protecting the ball, which resulted in a fumble.
But Wilson also delivered one of the best plays of the game on a 32-yard catch-and-run where he bulldozed a Colts defender.
“Honestly, I was thinking about jumping over him. But I saw he hesitated and stopped his feet, so I just went and lowered my shoulder,” Wilson said. “It felt great actually being able to go out there and really showcase the other stuff I’ve got in my bag.”
Sirmans says he’s seen a ton of growth in Wilson from his 2023 rookie season to now.
“I think last year, he might have only had one mental error… so I’m developing a lot more trust in him,” Sirmans said. “As you can see, he’s got really good hands. He’s got a much better feel for understanding the game. It’s just the consistency of playing at a high level is what he needs to do.”
Wilson does have all-pro running back Josh Jacobs to learn from, but said he’s also picked up a thing or two from fellow third-year back Chris Brooks.
“Oh man, Chris is a dog. Really, I’m learning from Chris. Honestly, he just brings something different to the team,” Wilson said. “He can play the F, he can play the H. And he’s a hell of a player on special teams too, so just having Chris around is wonderful.”
The severity of Lloyd’s hamstring injury remains to be seen, but if he does land on injured reserve to start the season, he would miss at least the first four games. That would open up the door for both Wilson and Brooks to make the 53-man roster.
“Certainly with Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks, we’ve got two established players in this league,” Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said. “I like the competition there. I like the kind of diverse skillsets between all four of them and I’m very comfortable with that group.”
