The Green Bay Packers have lots of game-changers on both sides of the ball but lack optimal depth at a handful of positions. Running back is one of them.
It's unclear whether Josh Jacobs will miss any time. Meanwhile, the Packers face uncertainty in the depth chart behind him. Heck, that's one of the reasons they've been urged to sign a veteran like Austin Ekeler or even to trade for Alvin Kamara to round out their backfield. That said, maybe general manager Brian Gutenkust hasn't considered adding external help due to the presence of Chris Brooks.
Green Bay let Emanuel Wilson bolt in free agency despite the fact that he was the primary backup behind Jacobs last year. Meanwhile, Brooks got a two-year extension worth $4.85 million.
The Packers could give Chris Brooks a bigger workload this season
Jacobs will remain the No. 1 in the Green Bay backfield next season. That said, someone needs to fill the void left by Emanuel Wilson, who toted the rock 125 times for 549 yards with two touchdowns in 2025.
MarShawn Lloyd, for his part, has managed to stay healthier this summer after suiting up for just one game the past two seasons. However, he's still an unknown commodity. Meanwhile, Brooks has fared well in limited opportunities.
An undrafted free agent in 2023, Brooks spent his rookie season with the Miami Dolphins and bolted for the Packers in 2024. In three NFL seasons, he's racked up 82 carries for a solid 395 yards with one touchdown. Granted, it's a limited sample but promising nonetheless. Moreover, the former BYU Cougar has seen ample playing time as a blocker, but he could turn out to be an effective runner if he sees an uptick in playing time.
This doesn't mean that Brooks will suddenly get 25 carries per game, but he could easily see over 150 throughout the whole season.
Of course, Brooks won't be handed an expanded role. He'll need to make an impression in training camp if he wants to cement his place as the No. 2 behind Jacobs. Moreover, there's also the chance that he'll need to look over his shoulder, as receiver Savion Williams could also vie for carries in 2026.
Brooks has the edge because he has experience in Matt LaFleur's system, but Williams has the wider skill set, so Brooks can't afford to take his foot off the gas pedal.
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