Don’t Overlook This Veteran Packers Running Back in 2025

The Green Bay Packers have depth at running back. Starter Josh Jacobs was one of the best backs in the NFL last season and the team has veteran backups who are not only experienced but were effective last season. They are now adding a healthy MarShawn Lloyd to the mix for 2025 after he played only one game as a rookie due to injury. But don’t overlook this veteran Packers running back in 2025 who isn’t getting a lot of attention but could still make the roster. That back is Chris Brooks.

Don’t Overlook This Veteran Packers Running Back in 2025: The Path to Green Bay

The BYU alum made the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Brooks played nine games with Miami and gained 106 yards on 19 carries, good for a 5.6-yard average per rush.

The Dolphins released Brooks with an injury settlement just before the start of the 2024 campaign and the Packers signed him to the practice squad. Two weeks later, he was placed on the active roster after Lloyd was sidelined by injury.

Brooks became the Packers third running back on the depth chart behind Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson. He carried the ball 36 times for 183 yards, a 5.1-yard average per carry. He also caught 11 passes for 69 yards. Brooks scored his first career NFL touchdown against the Saints in Week 16 on a one-yard run.

But what set Brooks apart for the Packers coaching staff was his ability to pass block and pick up blitzes. This is something head coach Matt LaFleur values and Brooks did it better than any other running back in the Green Bay lineup. It meant he was often in the game on obvious passing downs.

Making An Impression

In addition to being productive as the team’s third running back, Brooks made a strong impression on his teammates and coaches.

“He’s a selfless man,” Jacobs said last season. “He’s on special teams. He’s on everything. You can’t really say enough positive things about a guy like that who’s willing to put his body on the line. He has a lot of respect in this locker room.”

Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich also liked what he saw from Brooks. “He is the definition of a professional. Everything he does is super intentional,” Stenavich explained. “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen him laugh or smile the whole time he’s been here. It’s just all business, serious kid, which is great. He’s hungry, he wants to make a name for himself, and I think every week he gets out there he gets a little bit better and a little bit better.”

LaFleur loved a lot of things about Brooks’ game. “I love his running style. He runs with a good forward lean. He’s got great body control. He can stick his foot in the ground; he’s one of those one-cut runners.”

But it was Brooks’ pass protection that made the biggest first impression. “He’s really intelligent so he’s picked up our protections no problem. I’m excited about him.”

Don’t Overlook This Veteran Packers Running Back in 2025: A Battle Ahead

Despite his success, Brooks will have his work cut out for him to make the roster. Barring injuries, Jacobs will return as the starter and will get the bulk of the carries.

The coaching staff has been eagerly anticipating the return of Lloyd to the lineup for his elusiveness and ability to break off long runs. As a former third round pick, Lloyd will almost certainly make the 53-man roster.

Wilson also returns after a strong season as the Packers number two back in 2024. He gained 502 yards on the ground and averaged 4.9-yards per rush. Wilson also caught 11 passes for 48 yards and one more score.

If the Packers keep only three running backs on the active roster, Brooks could be the odd man out. The Packers may try to keep him around on the practice squad even if he doesn’t make the initial 53-man roster. His ability to contribute on special teams and to pass project gives him a definite advantage to make the team in some capacity. The Packers could also opt to keep four running backs this year, but then Brooks would again have to carve out a role for himself in the offense.

Despite the odds, don’t count Brooks out. His skill set makes him a valuable player to keep around.