4 realistic RB options for the Packers after Aaron Jones injury

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur hinted at potential running back moves this week, and it's out of necessity.

The Packers lost Aaron Jones and Emanuel Wilson to injury in the Week 11 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. Fortunately, LaFleur said Jones likely avoided a serious injury. However, returning in time for Thursday's clash with the Detroit Lions seems improbable.

That leaves AJ Dillon as the only healthy running back on the active roster. While the Packers could use Jayden Reed more frequently in the backfield after leading the team in rushing on Sunday, Green Bay needs to make some moves at running back before Week 12.

What realistic options do they have?

Ellis Merriweather

The Packers will almost certainly add rookie Ellis Merriweather to the active roster. He is the only running back on the practice squad.

Merriweather went undrafted this past offseason before signing with the New Orleans Saints. The Packers signed him to their practice squad earlier this month. He has zero NFL experience and likely won't take on a significant role on offense, especially as he only signed with Green Bay a couple of weeks ago.

But Merriweather can provide some cover for Dillon. He rushed for 1,138 yards and five touchdowns at Massachusetts in 2021, although he finished with only 575 yards and three scores last year.

What can we expect from Merriweather?

"Merriweather comes with solid size as well as speed and offers possibilities as a short-yardage ball carrier," Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network wrote in Merriweather's draft profile.

The rookie has a good chance to take on the RB3 duties in Week 12, but the Packers may have better options for the backup spot.