The Green Bay Packers are preparing for their most important game of the season. For the second year in a row, the Packers approach the final week of the season with a “win and in the playoffs” situation. The Detroit Lions were able to play spoiler at Lambeau Field last year in Week 18. The Chicago Bears are attempting to accomplish the same this season.
Given AJ Dillon’s absence, the Packers decided to sign a familiar running back to their squad prior to their showdown.
Prior to their game against the Chicago Bears, the Green Bay Packers bring back a familiar running back.
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According to Kyle Malzhan of WFRV Local 5, running back Emanuel Wilson will be available for the Packers when they face the Bears:
#Packers RB Emanuel Wilson stated that he expects to be activated from injured reserve for Sunday’s game against the #Bears.
With AJ Dillon out, Wilson provides depth at the running back position. Wilson injured his shoulder in week 11 and hasn’t been well since week 13 against Kansas City.
Glenn Kapan of Wisconsin Sports Heroics elaborated on the case involving AJ Dillon:
AJ Dillon of the Green Bay Packers has missed the previous two days of practice due to a neck and thumb injury. Dillon missed practice for the third day in a row on Friday due to those injuries, and it appears he will miss Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears (7-9).
This is bad news for the Packers, who have been suffering with injuries in recent weeks. AJ Dillon has run for 613 yards and two touchdowns on 178 attempts this season. He also has a 3.0 yard per carry average. This season, Dillon has caught 22 passes for 223 yards and zero touchdowns. This season, he has also averaging 10.1 yards per reception.
Wilson led the Packers in carries and rushing yards this preseason and was ranked sixth by PFF.
Patrick Taylor, last year’s third running back, was among those let go prior to the start of the season (despite seeing playing time this year).
This preseason, Wilson ran 38 times for 223 yards (5.9 YPC) and two touchdowns. The Packers did not want to take the chance of releasing the undrafted rookie from Fort Valley State and signing him with another team. Wilson, on the other hand, has yet to carve out a significant role in the regular season.
This could be Wilson’s opportunity to build traction before the playoffs begin. Wilson began his career with the Denver Broncos following the 2023 NFL Draft, however he was cut soon after.
