Latest Packers running back rumor is bad news for AJ Dillon

The Green Bay Packers' run game is surprisingly among the worst in the league through four weeks.

Green Bay is averaging just 74.5 rushing yards per game on the ground. Only the Cincinnati Bengals and Las Vegas Raiders have made a worse start.

Missing Aaron Jones due to a hamstring injury has contributed, but the Packers' rushing attack has still been nowhere near good enough. AJ Dillon is averaging a career-low 2.7 yards per attempt, and the Packers are considering their options.

Green Bay had interest in trading for Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor, although nothing came of it.

But they aren't done looking at potential in-season additions at the position.

Packers making running back moves is bad news for AJ Dillon

According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the Packers have worked out veteran running back James Robinson. Even if they don't sign Robinson, it shows they are considering their options at the position, which is bad news for Dillon.

Robinson made an excellent start to his NFL career after signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2020. Robinson rushed for 1,837 yards and 15 touchdowns in his first 28 career games. He averaged a healthy 4.5 yards per carry. Robinson was also a factor in the passing game, catching 80 passes for 566 yards and three touchdowns.

However, Robinson suffered a torn Achilles late in the 2021 season.

He would play another seven games for the Jaguars in 2022, rushing for 340 yards and three touchdowns at 4.2 yards per attempt before being traded to the New York Jets.

Robinson has struggled to make an impact since. He averaged only 2.9 yards per carry in New York. He spent time with the New England Patriots and New York Giants this summer but has been unable to land a roster spot this season.

Perhaps Green Bay is the perfect spot for him, where he would compete for snaps with AJ Dillon as the No. 2 running back behind Aaron Jones. He hasn't been the same player since his season-ending injury in 2021, but Robinson could get a chance to bounce back in Green Bay.

Even if the Packers don't end up signing Robinson, it's not a great sign for Dillon. The fourth-year running back hasn't played well in the opening four games, but Green Bay doesn't have many other options behind him on the depth chart.

Whether it's from Robinson or another free-agent addition, Dillon could soon face competition for the RB2 spot in Green Bay.

More Packers news and analysis