A.J. Dillon needed just one preseason game to prove that he belongs with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Despite some speculation in recent weeks that Dillon could be on the roster bubble with his new team, the Packers’ former second-round draft choice established himself as a worthy complement to Saquon Barkley in Philadelphia’s backfield in the Eagles’ exhibition opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay Packers running back A.J. Dillon signs a copy of his children’s book for a fan as he rides a bicycle to practice in the Dream Drive during the first day of training camp on Monday, July 22, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Dillon, whom the Packers allowed to walk via free agency this offseason, averaged 5.4 yards per carry while rushing for 27 yards and adding three receptions for 27 yards, including breaking loose for an 11-yard gain.
As the Eagles look to see how to split carries between Dillon, 27, and second-year back Will Shipley behind Barkley, the veteran looked plenty capable of taking on a significant workload.
Where Packers’ Backfield Stands
Packers
Green Bay running back Josh Jacobs (8) takes a handoff from quarterback Jordan Love (10) during practice on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at Ray Nitschke Field in Ashwaubenon, Wis.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
The Packers seem primed to lean into Josh Jacobs in his second season in Green Bay as the lead dog in the backfield of what has the potential to be an explosive offense.
Last season, Jacobs rushed for 1,329 yards and a career-high 15 touchdowns and will be looking for an encore as one of the offense’s focal points in 2025.
Meanwhile, Green Bay is hopeful to get production from second-year back Marshawn Lloyd, as he looks to work his way back from a rookie season that was derailed by hip and ankle injuries.
Jacobs and Lloyd have the potential to be a dynamic backfield duo with the likes of Emmanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks fighting for roster spots and carries this summer.
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