The Green Bay Packers are heading into the next stretch without Josh Jacobs, and that opens the door for a different name in the backfield.
Jacobs needs surgery on a broken finger and will miss Week 10. Even after the Packers’ Week 11 bye, he could still be out for a while. That leaves Green Bay with a real question at running back, and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says former Pittsburgh Steelers third-round pick Kaleb Johnson may be the one to watch.
Fowler pointed to what Johnson did in the Packers’ Week 9 blowout win over the New England Patriots, when he handled 14 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown. Green Bay liked what it saw, especially the way Johnson ran with vision, and that could earn him a longer look against the Vikings.
“While Johnson is splitting carries with MarShawn Lloyd because of Josh Jacobs’ injury, the Packers like the vision Johnson showed last week vs. New England in producing 68 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries,” Fowler writes. “They could give Johnson an extended look this week vs. the Vikings.”
That’s notable because the Packers’ ground game has been shaky all season, even with Jacobs available. But Johnson’s performance against New England may have changed the conversation.
The 23-year-old has a path to meaningful work in Week 10, and maybe beyond, if Green Bay decides to ride the hot hand. Lloyd hasn’t given the team much, and Pierre Strong Jr. doesn’t look like a real lead-back answer either.
Even with the Vikings’ elite defense waiting, Johnson could still see plenty of touches if the Packers lean his way. He’s young, he’s coming off the best game of his career, and the opportunity is there.
The other backs will still be part of the offense, but Green Bay may be ready to feature Johnson more than it has before.
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