On Lombardi Avenue, the backfield is dominated by one of the best offensive players in the NFL in All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs.
However, that doesn’t mean he is the only quality running back in the Packers’ offense.
Emanuel Wilson is More Than Just a Running Back
After going undrafted out of Fort Valley State and getting cut by the Denver Broncos, Wilson has been able to fight his way onto the Packers’ 53-man roster each of the past two seasons.
Last season was easily the best season of his young career, as he rushed the ball 103 times for 502 yards and four touchdowns.
He also caught 11 passes for 48 yards and a touchdown.
While rookie MarShawn Lloyd struggled to stay healthy last season, Wilson performed admirably behind Jacobs.
Emanuel Wilson bounces outside for a Green Bay TD!
📺: #CHIvsGB on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/mJudpmXg4P
— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2025
His rushing average of 4.9 yards proved to the team, the fan base, and the league that he is one of the more quality backups in the league.
Green Bay’s Underrated Running Back Room
While the entire NFL saw the show that Jacobs (1,329 yards, 15 touchdowns) put on last season in his first year as a Packer, the league may have forgotten about the players behind him.
Wilson is the next one in line, and he proved that he is capable of handling a strong workload as a backup.
While Lloyd missed nearly the entire season with a hamstring injury, along with an appendicitis, that made way for 25-year-old Chris Brooks to get some playing time in limited fashion.
He recorded 183 rushing yards and a touchdown on 36 carries, which meant that he averaged over five yards per carry.
These three players had to stick together and play well without the services of Lloyd or former Packers running back A.J. Dillon.
They did just that, which is why the team was able to finish the season ranked in the top five of the league in rushing.
Packer fans should expect the Packers to keep Jacobs, Wilson, Lloyd, and Brooks all on the roster after the summer is over.
If not, look for Brooks to be on the practice squad, especially if no team adds him to their roster.