The Green Bay Packers are getting ready for their biggest matchup of the season to date. For the second year in a row the Packers face a “win and in the playoffs” scenario entering the final week of the season. Last year the Detroit Lions were able to play spoiler at Lambeau Field in Week 18. This season, the Chicago Bears are trying to do the same thing.
Prior to their matchup, the Packers decided to sign a familiar running back to the roster given AJ Dillon’s absence.
The Green Bay Packers Bring Back A Familiar Running Back Prior To Their Matchup With The Chicago Bears
Kyle Malzhan of WFRV Local 5 reported that running back Emanuel Wilson will be available for the Packers when they take on the Bears:
#Packers RB Emanuel Wilson said that the expectation is for him to be activated off IR for Sunday’s game against the #Bears.
With AJ Dillon ruled out, Wilson gives the running back room depth. Wilson injured his shoulder in week 11 and said he’s felt good since week 13 vs. KC.
Glenn Kapan of Wisconsin Sports Heroics highlighted the situation with AJ Dillon:
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon has missed the last two days of practice because of a neck and thumb injury. On Friday, Dillon missed practice for the third consecutive day with those injuries and it appears as if he won’t be playing on Sunday against the Chicago Bears (7-9).
This is not good news for the Packers and he has been dealing with injuries over the last several weeks. AJ Dillon this season has rushed for 613 yards on 178 carries and two touchdowns. He has also averaged 3.0 yards per carry. Dillon has caught 22 passes for 223 yards receiving and zero touchdowns this season. He has also averaged 10.1 per reception this season.
This preseason, Wilson led the Packers in carries and rushing yards and was rated sixth-highest by PFF.
Patrick Taylor, last year’s third running back, was among those released prior to the season starting (even though he’s seen playing time this year).
Wilson rushed 38 times for 223 yards (5.9 YPC) and two touchdowns this preseason. The Packers did not want to risk cutting the undrafted rookie out of Fort Valley State and having him sign with another team. However, Wilson has yet to establish much of a role in the regular season
This may be Wilson’s chance to gain some traction before the playoffs begin. Wilson began his career with the Denver Broncos after the 2023 NFL Draft, however, he was released shortly later.
