AJ Dillon might have played his final snap for Packers after brutal injury update
AJ Dillon's time with the Green Bay Packers is likely over.
The former second-round pick sat out of the final two preseason games due to injury, and the Packers have now placed him on injured reserve. His season is over.
It's a brutal update. Under new rules, NFL teams can designate two players on preseason injured reserve to return. They chose not to with Dillon, which means he can no longer play for the Packers this year.
Dillon is dealing with a stinger, which is the same injury that kept him out of the final three games of last season. Head coach Matt LaFleur said they were taking a "wait-and-see" approach and needed a "couple more opinions to come back."
The Packers move forward with Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, and Emanuel Wilson as their top three running backs.
AJ Dillon's season is over and places doubt over his Packers future
Dillon signed a team-friendly one-year extension this offseason. He will become a free agent in 2025. The Packers could release him with an injury settlement at some point.
It's a heartbreaking update. Dillon returned to Green Bay for training camp in incredible shape. He was motivated to prove himself in a contract year, especially after an up-and-down 2023 season. Hopefully, his injury isn't serious and he can get fully healthy in the near future.
Dillon has played in 60 games for the Packers, rushing for 2,428 yards and 16 touchdowns. But it now seems unlikely he will be back.
Green Bay keeping Lloyd on the 53-man roster is a somewhat surprising move. He was an injured reserve (designated to return) candidate after missing time with hamstring and hip injuries this summer. The Packers may need to sign another running back for depth if he isn't ready for Week 1.
The most important thing is that he gets healthy. Hopefully, Dillon will get another opportunity in the NFL, but it's unlikely to come in Green Bay.