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The Green Bay Packers took a big step forward in the Jordan Love era last season, making the NFC playoffs, beating the Cowboys in the Wild Card game, and giving the 49ers everything they wanted in a tough divisional-round loss last year.
The Packers' backfield looks a lot different this season with Aaron Jones departing for Minnesota and Josh Jacobs coming in from Las Vegas to replace him as the RB1.
But who is the RB2 in Green Bay this season? Is veteran AJ Dillon out for the season? Will Jacobs play in Week 1? Is rookie MarShawn Lloyd his backup now? Read ahead for answers and 2024 fantasy football outlooks for the Packers backfield.
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Will Josh Jacobs Play in Week 1?
Jacobs handled just one carry for seven yards during Week 1 of the preseason as Green Bay chose to hold him out for most of the preseason. He should be ready to roll on Friday, September 6 for the Packers opening game against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Josh Jacobs gearing up to see 400 touches in the best offense of his career
Don't be on the wrong side of history
— Mason Dodd (@MasonDoddFFN) August 27, 2024
The Eagles' defense is pretty stout against the run, but with Jacobs expected to get the majority of touches in the backfield and handle the goal-line touches, he should be in your fantasy lineups for Week 1.
Is AJ Dillon Out For The Season?
Sadly, Dillon's neck injury is going to force him to miss the entire 2024 season. He was set to operate as the RB2 behind Josh Jacobs and has been an effective short-yardage and goal-line back for the Packers during his career.
Packers RB AJ Dillon (neck) placed on IR and will miss the 2024 season. pic.twitter.com/DgJfk99WhX
— NFL (@NFL) August 27, 2024
It's possible that Dillon's career could be in jeopardy as he's dealing with a serious situation with his spinal cord. He's run for 2,438 yards and 16 touchdowns over the last four seasons in Green Bay, suiting up in 60 games for the Packers.
Is MarShawn Lloyd the RB2 in Green Bay?
The Packers drafted Lloyd in the third round out of USC to give themselves some depth in the running back room, and I'm sure they are glad they did now that they know they won't have AJ Dillon this year. Lloyd was nursing a hamstring injury of his own, handling just one carry in the Packers' first preseason game but is expected to be ready for Week 1.
AJ Dillon out for the season. Josh Jacobs likely starts the season with a big workload but there isn't much in the way for Marshawn Lloyd to carve out a big role
If he can stay healthy Lloyd is the most explosive RB in this backfield and I still believe he will emerge as a… https://t.co/atjj4k7E10
— The Fantasy Guru (@FantasyAdvice99) August 27, 2024
Lloyd will have to compete with Emanuel Wilson to be Jacobs's backup, but could easily win the job as he's the bigger, faster, and more physical runner of the two. Lloyd should be drafted as a handcuff in all leagues and makes for a solid waiver claim if he went undrafted, too.
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