Going into the Green Bay Packers’ preseason matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, there were really only three names fans and analysts were talking about in terms of candidates for the team’s third running back role. Patrick Taylor, of course, was used as a third running back at times last year. Tyler Goodson was an undrafted free agent last year and had a strong showing in the 2022 preseason.
In addition, the team drafted Lew Nichols III in the seventh round of this year’s draft to compete for the third running back spot behind Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon. However, the running back everyone is talking about after the Packers 36-19 win is Emanuel Wilson.
Green Bay Packers Running Back Emanuel Wilson Erupts for 111 Yards and Two Touchdowns
Aaron Jones did not play in the Packers’ preseason game against the Bengals, and AJ Dillon only played for the first couple of offensive series. Later in the contest, Emanuel Wilson, who was signed by the Packers back on May 22, got his opportunity.
And he did not waste it. Wilson only received six carries in the game, but turned them into 111 yards and two touchdowns. His first was an 11-yard run in the third quarter to put the Packers ahead 30-19. Then in the fourth quarter, he carried one 80 yards for his second score and a 36-19 lead.
Emanuel Wilson Shares the Emotional Significance of His Performance
August 11, 2023, the day of Wilson’s first professional football game, marked the 14th anniversary of his father’s death. After the game, Wilson took to Twitter (X) to share what his performance meant to him:
Today marks 14 years of the day my father was taken for me. Today is also my first NFL game and I’m blessed to have the opportunity to play on this day 💙 pic.twitter.com/URmWd5kIE9
— Gods Child✝️🧎🏿 (@1kEmanuelWilson) August 11, 2023
Jones lost his father to COVID during the apex of the pandemic, and knew what it meant for Wilson to go out and play the way he did. He shared the message he gave to Wilson after the game with reporters:
Aaron Jones, who was aware of today’s significance, said he pulled Emanuel Wilson aside after his first score:
“I told him right after his first TD, that’s for your pops. He’s right out here with you and he has the best seat in the house. … I’m very proud of him.” https://t.co/eRQodoRTpb
— Wes Hodkiewicz 🌎 (@WesHod) August 12, 2023
AJ Dillon, too, voiced his support for Wilson after the game:
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾And you did your thing! Taking advantage of that opportunity! Yessir E 🤝 https://t.co/em32uzwE2V
— AJ Dillon (@ajdillon7) August 12, 2023
Wilson was undrafted out of Fort Valley State, one of the country’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. In 2022, he rushed for 1,252 yards and 15 touchdowns while averaging 139.1 rushing yards per game.
If Wilson, or any of the running backs vying for the third running back role, are to make the 53-man roster, he will have to be able to play well on special teams. It will be interesting to see how he does both in his role as a running back and what opportunities he receives on special teams going forward.
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