The Packers are taking care of Josh Jacobs, their new running back. He’s got a tender hamstring, so there’s no need to stress the tendon during OTAs.
Jacobs, the rugged former Raider and Alabama standout, told reporters this week he’s about “93 percent” recovered. Nothing like being precise with the numbers. He’s also on the practice field for the first time after missing last week’s workouts.
The Packers already know what Jacobs can do. It’s why they signed him to a four-year, $48 million contract. If given enough carries, Jacobs is capable of leading the NFL in rushing. After all, he did so in 2022.
The Packers want a feature back, but they also have several they can use in a rotation. They didn’t re-sign fan favorite Aaron Jones after targeting Jacobs. But they still have A.J. Dillon. And Green Bay drafted USC’s MarShawn Lloyd in the third round. It wasn’t a great draft for running backs. Still, Lloyd was the fourth back off the board, so the Packers used some draft capital to land him.
Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur explained how he plans to use all the backs.
“Philosophically, no matter who the runner is, typically, we like to platoon those guys, whether it’s two guys or three guys,” LaFleur said. “I just think it allows the running backs to stay fresh throughout the duration of the season. It’s a very violent position they play, and some of those hits are high-impact hits.”
He added: “then, when it gets down to the end of it, you’ve got to roll with whoever you feel gives you the best opportunity to win games. But I do think there’s a lot of benefit to having multiple runners in there. No. 1, I think it lengthens their careers.”
Packers coach says Jacobs capable of being ‘high-volume back’
That’s the thing with Jacobs. He’s already enjoyed five mostly successful seasons in the NFL. The Raiders, back when they were in Oakland, selected him in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He’s rushed for at least 1,000 yards in three of his five seasons. That includes the 1,653 yards he gained in 2022 to lead the NFL. That season, he carried the ball a league-high 340 times. In the other four seasons, his carries ranged from 217 to 273. He rushed for 5,545 yards as a Raider with 46 touchdowns.
But what will he do as the Packers top back?
“I think he is very capable of being a high-volume feature back, where he’s getting a bulk of the carries,” LaFleur said. “But we will see how it plays out.”
Jacobs is getting acclimated to Green Bay. And he’s already talking about what he plans to do with the Packers.
“To be able to leave a legacy is something I think about now,” Jacobs said. “Being older playing playoff football and obviously trying to get a ring is really the only thing on my mind.”
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