One position where the Green Bay Packers have great depth is running back.
Barring injury, Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon will dominate the snaps at running back for the Packers, but the competition for the No. 3 spot could be wide open this summer.
One player in the mix is Patrick Taylor. Can he make the Packers’ initial 53-man roster?
2021 stats
Taylor was active for nine games in 2021. He made a total of 23 carries for 89 yards and a touchdown, averaging 3.9 yards per attempt. He also made two catches for three yards.
2021 season review
Taylor didn’t get many opportunities on offense last season, which is unsurprising as Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon were so good.
He was inactive for the first eight games of the regular season. He was active in Week 9 and got his first carry a week later after Jones suffered an injury.
Taylor’s biggest opportunity came in Week 18 versus the Detroit Lions. As the No. 1 seed was wrapped up, the Packers pulled many of their starters out of the game.
Taylor had 11 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown, averaging a healthy 4.8 yards per attempt.
Will he make the roster?
The Packers may only keep three running backs, but there is a good chance four make the 53-man roster.
Taylor’s Week 18 performance won’t hurt his chances, but he will need a good summer as there will be plenty of competition.
What to expect in 2022
The Packers’ top two running backs will be Jones and Dillon once again in 2022. They will dominate the carries.
But there will be competition for the RB3 spot this season. Taylor is in the mix.
Taylor stepped up in the final game last season, showing his power and ability to break tackles. He even showed some ability as a receiver.
He will need to outperform second-year Kylin Hill once he’s fully healthy, as well as rookie Tyler Goodson.
If Taylor impresses in the preseason, he could earn a spot as the third or fourth running back on the roster. He will play mostly on special teams but will be needed on offense if there is an injury to either Jones or Dillon.