Green Bay Packers 2018 roster review: Ty Montgomery

Reviewing Ty Montgomery’s 2017 season, and looking ahead to what’s next for the Green Bay Packers’ receiver-turned-running back.

Ty Montgomery was the only Green Bay Packers running back to survive an offseason overhaul at the position.

The Packers replaced Eddie Lacy, James Starks and Christine Michael in the draft, but committed to Montgomery as the starting running back.

But the 2017 season didn’t pan out exactly how Montgomery had hoped.

Season in review

Questions were asked prior to the season whether Montgomery could handle a heavy workload in the backfield. He went a way to proving he could after a 19-carry performance in Week 1 against Seattle’s tough run defense.

Montgomery rushed for 54 yards and a touchdown that afternoon, helping the Packers kick the season off with a victory.

The backfield was his. But an early injury in Week 4 changed everything.

Montgomery’s replacement Jamaal Williams exited soon after with an injury of his own, opening the door for Aaron Jones. And the rookie took advantage.

Jones looked good, turning 13 carries into 49 yards and a touchdown. With Montgomery out the following week, Jones started the game and posted an impressive 125-yard, one-touchdown display at Dallas.

Montgomery wouldn’t get his starting job back, and injury ended his season early. He played just eight games, making it three years in a row the versatile back has failed to complete all 16 regular season games.

Looking ahead to 2018 season

With the emergence of Jones and Williams in the backfield, what’s next for Montgomery?

While the days of being the lead back may be over, Montgomery can still play a key role in Green Bay’s offense. Both in the backfield and as a receiver, the third-round pick creates mismatches for defenses.

Montgomery could adopt a hybrid role in 2018. While Jones and Williams will see the majority of the backfield touches, Montgomery should line up in multiple spots to utilize his impressive skill set.

The key for Montgomery is to stay healthy. He’s missed 19 regular season games in three years.

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When healthy there’s no doubting the impact he has, but injuries have continued to hold him back.