Even with Josh Jacobs sidelined by a fresh knee injury, the Packers have surprising options that could keep their offense unstoppable.QQ
Right now, Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks are the only healthy running backs on the Packers’ 53-man roster.
Free agent running back options
The most natural alternative for the Packers would be bringing Israel Abanikanda back. He spent training camp and preseason in Green Bay and offered valuable offensive and special teams snaps. Abanikanda started the season on the practice squad, but was released when Green Bay signed Strong.
Another old friend who’s available is veteran Jamaal Williams. He doesn’t have explosiveness in the run game — he never did for NFL standards, but it’s something even more pronounced over the past few years. However, he’s a competent pass protector and a viable receiver who knows Matt LaFleur’s scheme.
Other outside options include Zack Moss, Gus Edwards, and D’Onta Foreman.
From elsewhere
If the Packers intend to sign someone from another team’s practice squad, the best option would likely be Jeff Wilson. He played five years on the San Francisco 49ers, then three on the Miami Dolphins. This year, he spent time with both again and is now on the Dolphins’ PS. That means he knows the basics of the system, having played for Kyle Shanahan and Mike McDaniel.
With that premise, another alternative is 49ers’ Sincere McCormick. If the Packers go by talent, the New York Giants’ Dante Miller and the Washington Commanders’ Chase Edmonds would be there.
First, the Packers have to see how much time Jacobs will miss, if at all. Then, Gutekunst has different avenues to reinforce the offense as much as possible at this point in the calendar.
