Packers running back AJ Dillon suffered fractured rib vs. 49ers
The Green Bay Packers missed AJ Dillon late in their playoff loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Dillon left the game early due to injury and wouldn’t return. We now know why he wasn’t able to return to the game.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Dillon suffered a fractured rib.
As if the loss wasn’t tough enough, source said #Packers RB AJ Dillon suffered a fractured rib last night against the #49ers. It would have been a battle to be back for the NFC Title game.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 23, 2022
Rapoport noted that had the Packers defeated the 49ers and advanced to the NFC Championship Game, “it would have been a battle” for Dillon to be available for that game.
It was a tough loss to go without Dillon in the divisional round and it would have been every bit as challenging without him in the NFC title game had the team made it.
It was the worst time to lose Dillon after the great season the second-year running back had. With the offense struggling, his ability to pick up yards after contact could’ve helped build some rhythm.
A snowy, cold playoff game at Lambeau Field is perfect for Dillon, so it’s a real shame he had to leave the game early.
Despite that, it was a fantastic season for Dillon. GM Brian Gutekunst received plenty of criticism after drafting Dillon in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft but the former Boston College running back has proven himself this season.
With Jamaal Williams gone, Dillon took on a bigger role in Matt LaFleur’s offense. Dillon led the Packers in rushing with 803 yards and five touchdowns, while also catching 34 passes for 313 yards and two touchdowns. His work in the receiving game has come a long way.
There are so many questions to be asked of the Packers this offseason. We don’t know who will be the starting quarterback in Week 1 of the 2022 season. One thing we do know: AJ Dillon is a player to build around on offense.