Packers have intriguing battle brewing behind Josh Jacobs, with strong depth and young talent creating real competition

When the Green Bay Packers signed a 26-year-old Josh Jacobs to a four-year contract last offseason, there was nothing short-term behind the plan. The decision to move on from Aaron Jones to sign a younger, more physically reliable running back was exactly to have an elite option for years to come.

After a year, the decision couldn't have gone better. Jacobs made the Pro Bowl in his first season with the Packers and was the most productive offensive piece, besides his positive locker room impact.

This is the second series of our 2025 Packers positional breakdown, and it's time to talk about what Green Bay has at running back beyond Jacobs.

Competition for touches and spots

After Jones got released and the Packers were able to re-sign AJ Dillon a year ago, the former second-rounder was presumed to be the immediate backup. But a neck injury ended his season before it even started, effectively concluding his Packers tenure as well.

The backup job went to Emanuel Wilson, a former undrafted player who shares some skill set similarities to Aaron Jones. Chris Brooks, signed after the Miami Dolphins surprisingly cut him, was the depth option. Both played at a pretty good level last season, but that doesn't secure them a roster spot now.

And that's because MarShawn Lloyd is back. A third-round pick last year, Lloyd missed basically his entire rookie season due to ankle and hamstring injuries, plus an appendicitis. Now, he seems to be fully healthy again and ready to battle for touches.

"I'm doing good, really good," Lloyd said during mandatory minicamp. "Running as fast as I can, can jump as high as I want, can catch the ball. I'm doing pretty good."