Emanuel Wilson may have sealed AJ Dillon's Packers fate in preseason finale

When the Green Bay Packers signed Josh Jacobs, drafted MarShawn Lloyd, and brought back AJ Dillon, nobody was talking about Emanuel Wilson.

Yet here he is, entering the regular season as the Packers' potential No. 2 running back behind Jacobs.

Green Bay's running back situation is hardly straightforward. Lloyd and Dillon are dealing with injuries, placing their status for Week 1 in jeopardy. If neither is healthy in time for the regular season, do the Packers need to keep another backup running back?

What about if they are all healthy? Jacobs is a roster lock. So is third-rounder Lloyd. That may only leave one spot, and there's no way the Packers can cut Wilson after his preseason performances.

Dillon could be the odd one out.

Emanuel Wilson breakout adds further confusion to AJ Dillon's Packers future

At this stage, releasing Dillon would still fall into the "surprise cut" category. He has spent the past three seasons as the Packers' RB2 behind Aaron Jones.

However, it probably shouldn't be that surprising if it happens. Green Bay handed Jacobs big money, used a third-rounder on Lloyd, and then only offered Dillon a rare four-year qualifying offer, which is about as team-friendly a deal as it gets. Brian Gutekunst even called it a "nice surprise" that they were able to re-sign Dillon.

Wilson has starred in the preseason, rushing 37 times for 160 yards and a touchdown, an average of 4.3 yards per carry. The Packers need to find a way to keep him on the roster.

Dillon's status could depend on injuries. First, Dillon is dealing with a stinger that kept him out of the final two preseason games. Lloyd suffered a hamstring injury in the preseason opener and hasn't returned yet. Could either, or both, begin the year on injured reserve?

Matt LaFleur gave a three-letter response about their injuries: "TBD."

Injuries aside, when this group is fully healthy, will Dillon make the roster? He posted a career-low 3.4 yards per carry last season. He only played in one preseason game, rushing for two yards on four carries. Should the Packers move forward with a top three of Jacobs, Lloyd, and Wilson?

Gutekunst and LaFleur have big decisions to make inside 1265 Lombardi Ave over the next few days.

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