The Green Bay Packers are making critical adjustments to their roster as they prepare for their 2024 season opener in Brazil, aiming to fill the gaps in an injury-plagued backfield. According to the team’s transaction wire, the Packers have signed former Kansas City Chiefs running back La’Mical Perine to their practice squad and placed Nate McCrary on the practice squad/injured reserve list as of August 30.
The Packers’ backfield depth is thin heading into Week 1, with rookie MarShawn Lloyd nursing a hamstring injury and veteran AJ Dillon sidelined for the season due to a neck injury suffered in training camp. These developments leave Josh Jacobs and second-year back Emanuel Wilson as the only healthy rushers on the 53-man roster as they prepare for a matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.
If Lloyd is unable to recover in time, the Packers may be forced to elevate either Perine or Ellis Merriweather from the practice squad to the active roster for the opener. Perine, a 2020 fourth-round pick, brings some NFL experience, having rushed for 232 yards and two touchdowns during his time with the New York Jets. His production, while not groundbreaking, surpasses that of Wilson, who has 84 career rushing yards.
Despite these concerns, there is hope for Lloyd’s availability. After missing the latter part of training camp, Lloyd returned to practice as a limited participant on September 2, raising optimism about his potential to suit up for the opener. While the Packers haven’t confirmed his status, head coach Matt LaFleur remains cautiously optimistic. “We’ll see,” LaFleur said. “We’ll give him the week to watch him as he progresses. Certainly, we’re gonna be smart with him, and he was limited today, but he’s doing more and more, and we’ll see where he’s at.”
Josh Jacobs Poised for Heavy Workload
Regardless of Lloyd’s status, Josh Jacobs is expected to be the focal point of the Packers’ backfield this season. The Packers signed the 2022 NFL rushing champion to a four-year, $48 million deal during free agency, signaling their intention to lean heavily on him after releasing former starter Aaron Jones for salary-cap relief. With Dillon out and Lloyd potentially limited, Jacobs is set to carry a significant portion of the workload early in the season, starting with the opener against the Eagles.
Jacobs, who led the league in rushing yards two seasons ago, is poised for a prominent role in Green Bay’s offense. The team’s investment in him underscores their confidence in his ability to deliver. If he can establish himself as the offensive workhorse, Jacobs could be on track for a career-defining season in 2024.
The Packers will officially kick off their season against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday, September 6, at 7:15 p.m. Eastern Time.
