A stinger that prematurely ended AJ Dillon's 2023 campaign will conclude his 2024 season before it's even begun. Dillon was placed on injured reserve with no return designation on Tuesday, ending the running back's season. The news comes as a major blow to the Packers, who are hoping to contend for a playoff spot in 2024. The team will now be forced to rely on a combination of Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, and Emanuel Wilson to carry the load in Dillon's absence.
Dillon's Injury History
Dillon's neck injury is a recurring problem that has plagued him throughout his career. He missed three games late last season with a stinger and will now miss his fifth season in the league with another. This latest setback could have a significant impact on Dillon's future in the NFL, particularly as he approaches his late 20s. Despite the setback, the Packers believe they have enough depth to weather the storm. Jacobs was a big free-agent acquisition for the squad, Lloyd has plenty of promise and Wilson has done well in the preseason.
Packers' Running Back Situation
Dillon's injury leaves the Packers with a thinner running back room than they had hoped for. Lloyd has been dealing with a hamstring injury and has been sidelined for several weeks. The Packers are hoping he will be ready to go by Week 1, but his status remains uncertain. With the Packers having to rely on a relatively inexperienced group of running backs, it will be interesting to see how they perform. They will need to find a way to replace Dillon's production, both in the running game and in the passing game.
Other Roster Moves
The Packers also made several other roster moves on Tuesday, including releasing quarterback Sean Clifford, quarterback Michael Pratt, wide receiver Samori Toure, wide receiver Grant DuBose, offensive lineman Royce Newman, linebacker and Iola native Kristian Welch, and kicker Anders Carlson.
The Packers are hopeful they can find a replacement for Carlson via waivers or free agency. The team kept kicker Greg Joseph on their initial 53-man roster, and he'll likely be their kicker to start the season. Joseph, however, is considered to be the backup kicker on the roster to start the season.
A New Era For Packers' Running Backs
The Packers' running back room will have a new look in 2024. With Dillon's season over before it began and Aaron Jones now playing for the Minnesota Vikings, the Packers are hoping to find a new identity on offense.
The team is hoping that Jacobs, Lloyd, and Wilson can fill the void left by Dillon and Jones. If they can do that, the Packers will be in good shape heading into the 2024 season.
