Uncertainty best describes the Green Bay Packers' running back room entering training camp, and the concern levels have heightened.
Chris Brooks, who is expected to see an increase in opportunities this season following Emanuel Wilson's departure, will begin training camp on the non-football-injury list, per the NFL's transaction wire.
There is also uncertainty with Josh Jacobs' status. According to The Athletic's Matt Schneidman, on July 23, the Brown County District Attorney's Office said that the investigation into Jacobs was "still open." Jacobs was arrested in May on five charges, including domestic abuse.
The Packers hope MarShawn Lloyd can finally stay healthy after suiting up in only one game over the past two seasons.
Brooks' injury adds another question mark. It's unclear how much time he will miss, but the Packers have moved fast. On Monday, they tried out nine players, including four running backs.
Packers hold tryouts with four running backs on the eve of training camp
The Packers hosted Jermar Jefferson, Marcus Major, Jalen White, and Owen Wright.
Jefferson is probably the most recognizable name to Packers fans from his time in Detroit. The Lions drafted him in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He only carried the ball 15 times for the Lions, but turned two of them into touchdowns and averaged 4.9 yards per attempt. He has since spent time with the Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, and San Francisco 49ers.
Major was an undrafted free agent in 2025 but hasn't played an NFL snap. He played eight games in the UFL for the Houston Gamblers this past spring, rushing for 228 yards and three touchdowns at 5.3 yards per attempt.
White was Major's teammate for the Gamblers, rushing for 267 yards and two touchdowns at 3.0 yards per attempt this season. He spent time on the Packers' 90-man roster during training camp last summer.
Wright has spent time with the Baltimore Ravens and Tampa Bay Buccaneers since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He has only three career carries for six yards.
Packers need to consider their options at running back before the season begins
The four tryouts give the Packers a potential short-term move, but outside of maybe Jefferson, it's tough to see how any of them can carve out a role in the Packers' running back rotation. Amid the uncertainty at the position, general manager Brian Gutekunst needs to consider his options. The answer is unlikely to come via a free-agent signing, though.
Gutekunst should explore the trade market. We're looking at you, Arizona Cardinals.
The Cardinals, now led by Matt LaFleur's brother, Mike, with Nathaniel Hackett as his offensive coordinator, have arguably the deepest backfield in the NFL.
Third overall pick Jeremiyah Love is a future superstar, and the Cardinals signed Tyler Allgeier in free agency. They also have James Conner and Trey Benson, who could form a strong 1-2 punch in their own right.
Conner or Benson could become available just at the right time for the Packers. It's why our pre-training camp 53-man roster predictions include a trade for Benson. He was a third-rounder in 2024, just like MarShawn Lloyd, and would add a blend of power and speed to Green Bay's offense.
A top three of Jacobs, Benson, and Lloyd, with Brooks in reserve, would solve the Packers' concerns at running back.
For now, it's unclear if Jacobs will miss any time. If Lloyd can stay healthy. And whether Brooks can step into a RB2 role if needed. His injury to begin training camp only further complicates things, especially with practices getting underway on July 29.
The Packers are presumably looking for short-term depth while Brooks is out, but his injury is a reminder that they need to consider adding another running back.
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