AJ Dillon's Season-Ending IR Placement Impacts Green Bay Packers

AJ Dillon's Impact on Green Bay Packers' Roster

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. Tight end Tyler Davis (shoulder) was likewise placed on season-ending IR.

Running Back Situation Post-Dillon

• With Dillon on the shelf with his neck injury, the Packers’ running back room now houses starter Josh Jacobs, rookie third-rounder MarShawn Lloyd, who has been dealing with hamstring and hip issues this summer, and Emanuel Wilson.
• The team parted ways with backs Ellis Merriweather and Nate McCrary.

Jacobs was a significant free-agent acquisition for the squad, Lloyd has plenty of promise, and Wilson has performed well in preseason. However, it wouldn’t be out of the question for the Packers to add another back or two this week.

A Look Back at AJ Dillon's Performance

The bruising Dillon posted 613 rushing yards and two touchdowns in 15 games last season. However, he did not play in the regular-season finale or either of the Packers' playoff games after suffering a cervical neck stinger in Week 17. It seemed unlikely he’d return to the Pack, but Green Bay used a rare four-year qualifying offer on Dillon to retain him.

Nevertheless, Dillon’s future beyond this season seems to be in jeopardy considering the 26-year-old’s neck injury.