Packers: Position group rankings ahead of training camp
By Jesse Fry
3. Running back
Halfbacks: Ty Montgomery, Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams, Devante Mays, Joel Bouagnon
Fullbacks: Aaron Ripkowski, Joe Kerridge
The 2017 season showed the Packers have three running backs with the ability to start. Ty Montgomery, Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams all bring something different to the table, and their styles complement each other well.
Aaron Ripkowski has been a solid player both on offense and special teams, since replacing John Kuhn at fullback. Together, this backfield has an opportunity to be special. This is arguably the deepest and most talented backfield the Packers have had in some time.
Jones is suspended for the first two games of the regular season, opening more opportunities for Williams, Montgomery, and even Devante Mays. When he returns, the Packers will have three players able to roll out in every facet of the offense. Each is a capable receiver and runner.
At fullback, Ripkowski will once again face off against Kerridge for the starting lead blocker job. Although the fullback position is becoming extinct, Coach McCarthy still uses them with regularity. It may not be a glamourous position, but it is still an important one for McCarthy’s offense.
In 2016, Ripkowski showed he can handle a few carries in case of injuries. There were reports last year coming out of training camp that Kerridge had outplayed Ripkowski. Had it not been for an injury, he could have opened 2017 as the preferred fullback. Either way, both play large roles on special teams and are valuable contributors to the team.
The Packers should be fine with an injury to either of the top three halfbacks, or one of the two fullbacks.