Packers Place RB Chris Brooks On IR

Green Bay has opened the season without Josh Jacobs available. He remains on the commissioner’s exempt list with a decision pending as it pertains to league discipline. With Jacobs unavailable, the Packers’ 2026 RB options have been tested. Brooks has been a regular on offense while also filling in on special teams early in the year.

An ankle injury will now lead to a stint on the sidelines, however. Brooks will miss at least the next four games, hindering Green Bay’s offense and leaving the team increasingly thin in the backfield. The 26-year-old has not featured heavily as a ballcarrier or pass-catcher, but his work in pass protection has resulted in a 40% snap share. Brooks has also chipped in on special teams.

The former UDFA is under contract through the 2027 season. Brooks figures to have a depth role for the foreseeable future provided he can avoid any major injuries as a result. For now, though, the Packers will move forward with third-year back MarShawn Lloyd and trade acquisition Kaleb Johnson leading the way at running back. As Demovsky notes, Pierre Strong is also in the mix after he was promoted from the practice squad earlier this week.

The 2-2 Packers have encountered major issues along their offensive line to start the 2026 season. That has promoted a trio of free agent additions while also contributing to the team’s struggles on the ground. Green Bay is averaging a league-worst 58 rushing yards per game as things stand. Losing Brooks will certainly not help in that regard, although his absence will be more acutely felt in the passing game.