This example with Josh Jacobs has unexpectedly made issues very uneasy over a critically vital place within the Green Bay Packers offense. The entrance workplace continues to be seeking to type out the small print after Jacobs was arrested on 5 expenses, but when league self-discipline or a long-term absence happens, then it’s doable that Inexperienced Bay will begin taking a look at veteran working again choices.
There are three veteran choices on the desk, with every having its personal particular power and talent set, however every of them would appear logical if the Packers completely wanted one other strong physique within the backfield.
Najee Harris might be a seamless transition
There’s a sturdy argument to be made for Najee Harris, who spent final season with the Los Angeles Chargers and suffered a torn Achilles tendon in Week 3. Regardless of criticism over time, Harris has develop into one of many NFL’s most sturdy backs, posting multiple 1,000-yard rushing seasons whereas spending a lot of his early profession working behind some brutal offensive line play with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Critics love pointing to the yards per carry numbers, however Pittsburgh’s points at middle and throughout the offensive line definitely didn’t assist. If the Packers need to preserve the identical bodily speeding identification they constructed round Jacobs, Harris might slide into that position fairly naturally.
It’s time for Kareem Hunt to shine
Then there may be Kareem Hunt, who quietly might emerge as one of many extra cheap veteran choices accessible. Hunt has not had that large breakout season in a number of years, however this upcoming season feels a bit like a make-or-break 12 months for him as a lead again. Even at 30 years previous, his numbers are consistent. Hunt nonetheless rushed for over 700 yards and 7 touchdowns in 2024 whereas exhibiting he can contribute as each a runner and receiver.
Whereas a few of the explosiveness from his days with the Kansas City Chiefs has light, Hunt nonetheless runs with toughness and persistence between the tackles. For Inexperienced Bay, he might signify a lower-cost veteran choice able to serving to stabilize the offense with out requiring an enormous monetary dedication.
Did a touchdown spot simply open up for Alvin Kamara?
Alvin Kamara could also be searching for a brand new alternative because the New Orleans Saints not too long ago signed working again Travis Etienne Jr. this offseason from the Jacksonville Jaguars, and there has already been hypothesis that New Orleans might ultimately transfer on from Kamara because the workforce reshapes its backfield.
Whereas Kamara is now north of 30 years previous, there may be nonetheless lots suggesting he can function at a beginning caliber stage. He has persistently hovered in that 800-900 yards rushing per season range all through his profession and stays one of many league’s higher receiving backs. Etienne, taking up a bigger workload, might really assist protect Kamara bodily transferring ahead.
What separates Kamara from Harris and Hunt is the flexibility he would give Matt LaFleur. He’s the kind of explosive offensive weapon able to creating issues for defenses each as a runner and receiver. All of that is predicated upon whether or not New Orleans decides to half methods with Kamara.
The hope is that Jacobs can return to play quickly
Presently, Inexperienced Bay might be hoping this complete state of affairs cools off, and Jacobs returns to enterprise as traditional. NFL groups chasing championshΩ ips, nevertheless, hardly ever get pleasure from sitting round hoping issues clear up themselves. If the Packers start getting ready for the potential of shedding Jacobs for an prolonged interval, Hunt, Harris, and Kamara might develop into three names value watching very carefully over the approaching months.
