Packers running back injury crisis takes another turn for the worse
The Green Bay Packers enter a daunting divisional showdown against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day.
Sixteen players are on Green Bay's injury report, making life even more challenging for Matt LaFleur's team as they prepare to take on the red-hot Lions on a short week.
Losing key players to injury has become a weekly issue for the Packers. Just when it seems they are finally beginning to get healthier, the injuries return. Green Bay defeated the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 11, but at a cost.
The Packers' first injury report for Week 12 is tough reading, especially at running back.
Packers top three running backs are on the Week 12 injury report
Green Bay may have lost its entire running back room against Los Angeles on Sunday. Aaron Jones and Emanuel Wilson were carted off. AJ Dillon also suffered an injury.
Jones and Wilson will almost certainly miss Thursday's clash with the Lions.
Fortunately, Jones avoided a long-term knee injury but could still miss multiple games. According to Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Wilson's shoulder popped out of its socket. It's uncertain how much time he will miss.
Dillon's status is unknown. The Packers didn't practice on Monday, so their initial injury report is an estimation. Dillon was listed as a limited participant due to a groin injury.
The short turnaround between games isn't ideal. If Dillon is unable to go in Week 12, the Packers could have a running back room filled with players who weren't on the roster four days earlier.
On Monday, Green Bay signed Patrick Taylor and James Robinson. Taylor joins the 53-man roster after the Packers signed him off the New England Patriots' practice squad, while Robinson has signed with Green Bay's practice squad. The Packers can elevate Robinson to the game-day roster on Thursday.
If Dillon is out in Week 12, we could see a running back duo of Taylor and Robinson against the Lions.