Green Bay Packers running back Emanuel Wilson has stayed healthy throughout training camp. A season ago, he made the 53-man roster as an undrafted free agent. This year, Wilson may not only make the 53-man roster, but he may have a bigger role for the Packers entering the first week of the 2024 season.
At the moment, Josh Jacobs is the only healthy running back on the roster other than Wilson. A.J. Dillon and Marshawn Lloyd are still dealing with injuries and they may not be ready for the Week 1 game in Brazil against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Green Bay Packers Running Back Emanuel Wilson Could Be the Reason Why A.J. Dillon Does Not Make the 53-Man Roster
With the way Wilson has performed during the preseason, it will be hard to keep him off the 53-man roster. They won’t cut rookie running back Marshawn Lloyd from USC. He was a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, if Green Bay only keeps three running backs on the roster, A.J. Dillon could be the odd man out.
He was brought back on a one-year deal in the offseason. If Dillon is cut, he could be looking for a different home. Freddie Boston of lombardiavenue.com said about Emanuel Wilson’s preseason performance:
“At this stage, releasing Dillon would still fall into the “surprise cut” category. He has spent the past three seasons as the Packers’ RB2 behind Aaron Jones.
However, it probably shouldn’t be that surprising if it happens. Green Bay handed Jacobs big money, used a third-rounder on Lloyd, and then only offered Dillon a rare four-year qualifying offer, which is about as team-friendly a deal as it gets. Brian Gutekunst even called it a “nice surprise” that they were able to re-sign Dillon.
Wilson has starred in the preseason, rushing 37 times for 160 yards and a touchdown, an average of 4.3 yards per carry. The Packers need to find a way to keep him on the roster.”
Green Bay still has decisions to make at several positions before they cut the roster down to 53 players by 3 p.m. CT on Tuesday. It will be interesting to see what happens.
If Wilson Is Not Cut He Should Be Running Back 2
If Emanuel Wilson is not cut on Tuesday, he should be the second running back behind Josh Jacobs heading into the season. Wilson has earned his role. Lloyd missed action in camp and preseason games because of injuries. Marshawn Lloyd will have to earn his way onto the field when he returns from injury.
As for A.J. Dillon, he may not be on the roster by the time Tuesday rolls around. Emanuel Wilson is ready to take on the backup running back role until someone else takes it from him. Green Bay will open the season on Friday, September 6 against the Philadelphia Eagles in Brazil.
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