Green Bay Packers: Matt LaFleur Calls Shocking Loss to Jets a Humbling Experience But There's 1 Player He Thought Stood Out 1 Green Bay Packers running back Amar Johnson (46) breaks away for a long touchdown run against the New York Jets during their football game Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.

Young Packers Playmaker May Have Secured a Roster Spot Amid Dismal Showing

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Aug 11, 2025 10:55 AM ET

Saturday night was a nightmare for the Green Bay Packers, in a disastrous preseason debut against the New York Jets, but there was one bright spot for the offense, who may have gone a long way towards securing himself a spot on the roster come September.

Despite veteran and former rushing champion Josh Jacobs’ presence at the top of the depth chart, and some ascending young talent behind him, Amar Johnson flashed during an otherwise dismal 30-10 loss to the Jets inside Lambeau Field.

Johnson, signed by the Packers as an undrafted free agent out of South Dakota State, announced his presence with authority by rushing for 67 yards and a touchdown, on seven carries, in his exhibition debut.

“It’s almost like a dream a little bit. Like I really did that,” Johnson said of his strong performance, which included a 39-yard touchdown scamper. “Once I got there, it was a foot race. All that hard work for a year and just gotta beat him to the pylon.”

Could Packers’ Amar Johnson Steal a Roster Spot?

Johnson certainly made the most of his opportunity, with Marshawn Lloyd sidelined and Jacobs a spectator for the festivities.

The rookie averaging a healthy 9.6 yards per attempt is a strong statement in his first NFL appearance, and it could go a long way towards stealing a spot on the 53-man roster in a couple of weeks.

“With two backup running backs down, Johnson stepped in and filled a void,” Mike Spofford writes, for the team’s official website.” I thought he ran hard, and not just on his impressive touchdown run. He definitely showed he’s got some juice. Now he needs to build on that and do it again next week.”

Given Lloyd’s growing injury history, the door could be cracked wide open for Johnson to carve out a role.

If Johnson can author a repeat performance against the Colts on Saturday, it could go a long way towards becoming a Cinderella story and securing a spot on the roster come September.

Green Bay Packers: Fans Will Love What Matt LaFleur Just Said About Team's Defense as They Prepare for 2025 Season 1 Green Bay Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur watches practice during the sixth day of training camp on July 29, 2025, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: