Green Bay Packers 2018 roster preview: Ty Montgomery
What can we expect from Green Bay Packers running back Ty Montgomery in 2018?
When healthy, Ty Montgomery is one of the most productive players in the Green Bay Packers offense.
His 2017 season was cut short due to injury, which placed the spotlight on rookie running backs Jamaal Williams and Aaron Jones, who both played well.
What role will Montgomery have this year?
2017 stats
Montgomery carried 71 times for 273 yards and three touchdowns last season, playing in just eight games. He also caught 23 passes for 173 yards and a touchdown.
2017 review
Montgomery started the season as the Packers’ featured back. After a 19-carry, 54-yard, one-touchdown performance in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks, it was clear who head coach Mike McCarthy had chosen to be the featured back.
But an injury early in the Week 4 meeting with the Chicago Bears gave an opportunity for the two rookie backs to show what they could do. Both Williams and Jones performed well throughout the season, although Jones also missed time due to injury.
Odds of making roster: 100 percent
Montgomery will be a big part of the Packers’ plans this season, no matter how he is used. His versatility separates him from the other running backs on the roster.
2018 preview
As long as Montgomery can stay healthy, he’ll play a key role on offense this season. Mike McCarthy said as much:
“We have to take advantage of Ty’s skills, and there’s no question about that,” McCarthy said, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. “The offense is suited for that.”
McCarthy also used the “running back-by-committee” phrase, dreaded by those in the fantasy football world, but perhaps a necessary one for the Green Bay Packers.
Montgomery’s versatility is what makes him special, and so important for the Packers.
Back in 2016, both Eddie Lacy and James Starks got hurt, leaving the team thin at the position. McCarthy decided to switch Montgomery from wide receiver to running back, and he played well, posting 805 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns in under a full season as the lead back.
He played a key role in the Packers’ “run the table” winning streak that took them from 4-6 to a division title and NFC Championship Game appearance.
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Montgomery might not be the lead back in 2018, but he’ll still play a significant role as both a runner and receiver. Stay healthy is priority number one.