In today's NFL, the running back position has slowly fallen by the wayside in terms of value by longevity. However, having a good running back or two is still crucial to an offense. There have been many Green Bay Packers seasons in recent memory that fell apart or were at least hampered by running-back injuries or a poor running game overall. A championship offense can't function one-dimensionally.
With the roster cut deadline rapidly approaching on Sunday, August 30th, many NFL hopefuls who receive a visit from their team's grim reaper will have their dreams either shattered or, at best, postponed. Currently, there are six running backs on the Packers' roster. Typical history tells us the team keeps at least three running backs on the roster. Under typical circumstances, this year would be no different. Josh Jacobs is the bona fide RB1, Marshawn Lloyd has definitely slid in to RB2, and Chris Brooks should be RB3 heading into Week 1. But in 2026, the running back room has a bit of a unique situation.
Josh Jacobs still has a legal situation hovering over his head stemming from accusations and turning himself in to authorities back in late May. Months later, there is still nothing new on the case to our knowledge, but if anything arises, Josh Jacobs could go from suiting up on Sundays to fighting a legal battle in court. That would move Marshawn Lloyd to RB1 at this point in time. So far, Lloyd has looked great in training camp, and after battling many health issues since his rookie season, appears to be in good shape to kick off 2026. In fact, some even think if Jacobs misses any time, there's a chance Lloyd could be a serviceable RB1. But what if his injury woes come back to haunt him? Suddenly, the Packers could find themselves with Chris Brooks as their RB1. And a running back who's mainly used as a pass blocker with 82 carries in 41 career games isn't exactly inspiring for an offense with championship aspirations.
That situation would be where the Packers may find themselves questioning whether or not they should keep four running backs to start the season. In a perfect world, you could stash RB4 on the practice squad in the event of an emergency. But leaving their best option vulnerable for other teams to poach for a few weeks may not be a good plan for the Packers.
As of right now, Pierre Strong Jr. is the clear front-runner in the pack for the chance to be RB4. He leads Damien Martinez and rookie UDFA Jaden Nixon. Now, I'm always a skeptic whenever someone says we can't expose one of our skill position players to waivers on cut day, because every team has a wide receiver or running back who they want to stash on the practice squad. Unless a team is in dire need of one where they're going to put in a claim to bring your player to their 53-man roster, chances are your guy is going to clear waivers and make it to the practice squad. Strong, however, possesses some skill where he could be an exception.
Not only has Strong looked good running the football, averaging 4.18 yards on 11 carries, but he's also been an explosive kick returner. Friday's game in Denver, he took a kickoff return 68 yards. What does everyone always say you need to do if you're low on the depth chart in order to make a roster? Compete on Special Teams. If Pierre Strong Jr. also sticks out as a possible special-teams contributor alongside an option for a few carries a game, a few teams may kick the tires on him to see how he may fit their squad. Then the Packers would be down to Damien Martinez and Jaden Nixon, who could have potential, but don't appear to be ready to contribute as a top-2 running back option just yet.
This is where we'd have to dive into trade territory, street free agents, or hope there's a decent RB on another team's practice squad who can be signed and contribute. The Packers have had some history of this actually working in their favor. Brian Gutekunst always seems to have a list of players to kick the tires on in certain scenarios, and this situation would likely be no different. But the extreme scenario could be avoided right out of training camp.
What I won't say is that if, on Sunday, when final rosters are turned in, and Jacobs, Lloyd, and Brooks are the only running backs on the initial 53-man roster, it was a bad decision. There is a chance that another team won't have any interest in Pierre Strong Jr. as a waiver claim for their roster. That would be a complete win for the Packers. But I do think that there is a case to be made for a fourth running back on the roster who can contribute on special teams, just in case they would be needed early on in the season. What we hope as Packer fans is for Josh Jacobs' situation to be closed with no case, and for Marshawn Lloyd to have his first healthy, successful season in the NFL. But if not, Pierre Strong Jr. has made his case for that fourth running back position on the roster should it be a necessity.
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Greg Meinholz is a lifelong devoted Packer fan. A contributor to CheeseheadTV as well as PackersTalk. Follow him on Twitter @gmeinholz and Bluesky @gmeinholz.bsky.social for Packers commentary, random humor, beer endorsements, and occasional Star Wars and Marvel ramblings.