Emanuel Wilson’s Emergence on Special Teams Could Be a Game-Changer for the Packers
Emanuel Wilson’s journey over the past few weeks has been a rollercoaster, but it’s also a testament to the kind of depth and flexibility that can quietly define a team’s season. In Week 12, with Josh Jacobs sidelined, Wilson stepped into the spotlight and delivered a performance that turned heads-107 rushing yards, two touchdowns on 28 carries, and a couple of catches for 18 yards. It was the kind of game that makes you wonder what else a player like Wilson can bring to the table.
But as quickly as he rose into the RB1 role, Wilson was back in the shadows by Week 13, with Jacobs returning to reclaim the backfield. Since then, Wilson’s offensive touches have been minimal-just seven carries for 24 yards over the last two games.
For a player who just proved he can handle a heavy workload, that’s a tough pill. But here’s where things get interesting.
Rather than fading into the background, Wilson has found a new lane-literally. In Green Bay’s recent win over the Bears, the former undrafted free agent took over kickoff return duties for the first time since Week 2.
And he didn’t just fill in-he flashed. Two returns, 55 yards, and an average of 27.5 yards per return.
That’s the kind of production that can flip field position and momentum in a heartbeat.
This isn’t completely new territory for Wilson. Back in Week 2, he had a 27-yard return-solid, but not necessarily something that screamed “feature return man.” But now, with a few more weeks under his belt and a clearer path to contribute, Wilson looks like he could be a real asset in the third phase of the game.
Green Bay has typically leaned on Bo Melton and rookie Savion Williams in the return game-two guys who don’t see a lot of offensive snaps and are natural fits for special teams roles. Melton’s been steady, averaging 24.5 yards per return.
Williams brings a different dimension, averaging 25.6 yards per return and offering the kind of open-field potential you want to harness. But Williams has been sidelined with a foot injury the past two games, and that’s opened the door for someone else to step in.
Enter Wilson.
What makes Wilson intriguing in this role isn’t just his straight-line speed-it’s his vision, balance, and ability to hit the hole with purpose. Those traits that served him well as a runner in Week 12 translate nicely to kickoff returns. And with Jacobs entrenched as the lead back, this is a smart way to keep Wilson involved and maximize his playmaking ability.
For a player like Wilson, who’s fighting for every opportunity, special teams can be more than just a footnote-it can be a proving ground. And for the Packers, who are looking for every edge they can get as the season intensifies, having a versatile weapon like Wilson contributing in multiple ways is a quiet win.
With a big matchup against the Broncos on the horizon, it’ll be worth watching whether Wilson gets another crack at returning kicks. If he does, don’t be surprised if he makes the most of it. He’s already shown he can rise to the occasion-now he just needs the chance to do it again.