The Green Bay Packers, along with the rest of the NFL, faced the challenge of trimming their rosters from 90 to 53 players by Tuesday’s 3:00 PM Central deadline.
Some roster moves were predictable, as is common in the NFL. However, others were unexpected, and this time of year often brings surprising cuts. For example, back in 2015, the Packers shocked many by releasing Josh Sitton after he’d spent most of camp as a starter.
Today also saw some surprises, such as the release of Anthony Johnson Jr. and Kalen King. The Packers retained 11 defensive linemen, which was notable, but nothing matched the shock of one particular roster move.
AJ Dillon, who had missed all of the previous week with what the team described as a stinger, was placed on injured reserve without a designation to return, effectively ending his season before it began. The hope had been that Dillon’s injury was minor and that he could return in time for the regular season, but that was not the case.
Dillon, who had entered training camp with high expectations after receiving rave reviews for his physical condition, was hoping to bounce back from a tough season where he had seen little interest in free agency. He returned to the Packers on a rarely-used qualifying offer that didn’t guarantee a roster spot.
The coaching staff consistently praised Dillon’s ability and work ethic. Head coach Matt LaFleur had even called it “the best I’ve seen him” at the start of training camp. The Packers had been excited about their revamped run game, which was to be centered around free-agent acquisition Josh Jacobs, with Dillon expected to play a key role.
Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich mentioned that Dillon and Jacobs could form a strong 1-2 combination in the backfield, but that combination will now never come to fruition.
Dillon’s injury, which the team has referred to as both a stinger and a neck injury, is concerning. Neck injuries can be tricky, and Dillon himself expressed uncertainty about the situation, saying, “You only get one body.” The Packers, known for being cautious with injuries, especially those of this nature, have sealed Dillon’s fate for the 2024 season.
The next men up for the Packers are Emanuel Wilson, who shone in the preseason, and Marshawn Lloyd, who missed much of the preseason due to a hamstring injury.\
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