The Green Bay Packers are carrying three running backs on their 53-man roster into the 2024 NFL regular season. These players are Josh Jacobs, Emanuel Wilson, and Marshawn Lloyd. Jacobs was signed in free agency ahead of the Packers’ release of Aaron Jones, the franchise’s third all-time leading rusher.
Wilson made the team as an undrafted free agent last season and impressed again in training camp and the preseason. Lloyd was selected by the Packers in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
The release of the 53-man roster also included names of players that are going to miss part or all of the season due to injury. One of these is fifth year running back AJ Dillon, who re-signed with the Packers earlier this spring.
Green Bay Packers Running Back AJ Dillon Will Miss the Entire 2024 NFL Season
Dillon was coming off of the worst year of his career in 2023, a season that saw him average just 3.4 yards per carry while racking up 613 yards and two touchdowns.
As it was the final year of his contract, there were many fans who believed that Green Bay would allow Dillon to leave in free agency. And he did get offers from others.
However, the 2020 second-round pick wanted to stay with the only team he has ever played with, in the state that he has adopted as his home. Dillon is affectionately known as the “Mayor of Door County,” which is also where he lives year-round with his wife and young son.
Dillon showed up to training camp in the best shape of his life, primed for a bounce-back season. Unfortunately, he will not get the opportunity to play in 2024, at least for the Packers.
Upon releasing their 53-man roster, Green Bay announced that Dillon was being placed on season-ending injured reserve (IR). The fifth-year pro suffered his second stinger (neck injury) in nine months.
Green Bay Packers Running Back AJ Dillon Releases a Statement on Social Media
On Thursday night, Dillon released the following statement on his social media platforms:
“Thank you all for the overwhelming support during this tough time. This injury is a tough blow, but I’m staying positive and surrounded by an incredible support system Right now, my focus is on getting healthy, and I’m rooting for my brothers to take care of business.”
The only way that it would be possible for Dillon to play in 2024 is if he and the Packers agree to an injury settlement and he is given his release. In that case, he would be free to sign with any NFL team and play this year.
It does not sound like he is close to being healthy, though, and other teams may not be willing to sign a player with multiple neck injuries in less than one year.
