Packers running back AJ Dillon was placed on injured reserve with no designation to return, ending his 2024 season before it begins. Dillon, 26, finished last season on IR with a neck stinger, the same injury that will prevent him from suiting up as the primary backup to new starting running back Josh Jacobs this season. Rookie third-rounder MarShawn Lloyd and Emanuel Wilson are listed as the primary backups for the Packers, who parted with longtime starter Aaron Jones.
Lloyd's availability for Week 1 has been questioned because of a hamstring injury, but he avoided starting the season on the physically unable to perform list. Dillon had 613 rushing yards last season and was lauded for his success in short-yardage since joining the Packers as a second-round pick in 2020. He has 2,428 yards and 16 touchdowns with the Packers.
Dillon missed the final three games of the 2023 season with a neck stinger, his second of the season. But general manager Brian Gutekunst said at the NFL Scouting Combine the Packers were planning to make an offer to Dillon. "AJ's done a great job for us the past four years and we'd love to have him back," Gutekunst said.
He re-signed with the Packers in March rather than pursue a larger role elsewhere in free agency. According to NFL Network, the one-year deal was a little-used qualifying offer known as a four-year QC (qualifying contract). --Field Level Media.