A.J. Dillon

Green Bay Packers
Running Back #28
Green Bay Packers
Running Back #28
© Mark Hoffman / USA TODAY NETWORK

A.J. Dillon News

Underwhelms in season finale

Dillon rushed nine times for 33 yards in Sunday's 20-16 loss to the Lions.

Analysis: Dillon failed to secure any of his three targets in the contest, as well. The 24-year-old running back was in a near-even split in playing time with Aaron Jones, as each back played 33 and 31 of the Packers' 60 offensive snaps, respectively. The loss to the Lions on Sunday eliminated Green Bay from the playoff picture, so Dillon and the rest of the team will look ahead to the offseason. The veteran will enter the final year of his rookie contract in the 2023 season, as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2024. Dillon finished the season with 770 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 28 catches for 206 yards. With Dillon likely playing for the Packers next season, it remains to be seen what the offense will look like around him. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is under contract through the 2026 season, but there is speculation that retirement or a mutual parting of ways could be on the horizon. Additionally, Jones remains under contract in 2023 as well, so it's possible the team continues to committee approach if both backs indeed are on the roster next season.

Jan 11, 2023 3:25 AM EST


TD streak at five games

Dillon carried the ball 12 times for 41 yards and a touchdown and failed to catch his only target in Sunday's 41-17 win over the Vikings.

Analysis: The power back was held under 50 rushing yards for the third straight game, but Dillon kept his fantasy value afloat by getting into the end zone for the fifth straight contest on a two-yard plunge early in the fourth quarter. The Packers need a win in Week 18 against the Lions to get into the playoffs, so look for Dillon and Aaron Jones to both be heavily involved in the game plan once again.

Jan 1, 2023 9:23 PM EST



Scores Christmas Day touchdown

Dillon carried the ball 11 times for 36 yards and a touchdown and caught two of three targets for 12 yards in Sunday's 26-20 win over the Dolphins.

Analysis: His one-yard TD plunge in the third quarter tied the game at 20-20, and the Packers' defense dominated the final frame to secure the win. Dillon led Green Bay in carries and rushing yards with Aaron Jones (ankle) hurting, so even though the big back didn't fully take advantage of the opportunity, he could be poised for an increased workload in a must-win Week 17 game against the Vikings if Jones isn't 100 percent.

Dec 25, 2022 4:49 PM EST


Avoids concussion protocol

Coach Matt LaFleur said Dillon cleared the protocol for head injuries on Monday night, Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette reports.

Analysis: Prior to his departure in the second half of Monday's 24-12 win against the Rams, Dillon had scored two rushing touchdowns and hauled in all three targets for 35 yards, but he otherwise wasn't very efficient on the ground (11 carries for 36 yards). Meanwhile, Aaron Jones again produced well, with 21 touches for 126 yards from scrimmage and a receiving TD. With Dillon's health not an issue moving forward, the Packers will have their usual backfield duo for Sunday's visit to Miami.

Dec 20, 2022 11:46 AM EST


Possibly concussed after two TDs

Dillon is being evaluated for a concussion Monday against the Rams.

Analysis: Dillon's return can be considered questionable at this time. Prior to getting injured, Dillon rushed 10 times for 40 yards and two touchdowns while catching all three of his targets for 35 yards. Aaron Jones should lead Green Bay's backfield for the remainder of Monday's game.

Dec 19, 2022 7:47 PM EST



Season high in win

Dillon rushed 18 times for 93 yards and a touchdown, and caught all three of his targets for 26 yards in Sunday's 28-19 win over the Bears.

Analysis: Dillon turned in a season high in rushing yards while teammate Aaron Jones (shin) was limited during the second half. The big-bodied Dillon rumbled his way to a 21-yard touchdown during the fourth quarter, giving him a score in consecutive games after finding the end zone just once through the first 11 weeks. Fresh off his best performance of the campaign, Dillon will now head into Green Bay's bye week on a high note.

Dec 4, 2022 1:20 PM EST


Ready to face Chicago

Dillon (quadriceps) doesn't have an injury designation for Sunday's game in Chicago, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.

Analysis: Dillon and Aaron Jones (shin/glue) both are cleared to play after limited practices throughout the week. Dillon is coming off his best game since Week 1 and faces a poor defense, but Jones has consistently gotten more playing time and touches since the first few weeks of the season when the split was more even.

Dec 2, 2022 1:39 PM EST


Stays limited Thursday

Dillon (quadriceps) practiced in a limited fashion Thursday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Both Dillon and Aaron Jones (shin/glute) are operating under caps on their practice reps to begin Week 13 preparations. There's a chance Friday's injury report clears up the situation, and if the status quo remains between the duo Sunday at Chicago, Dillon would be the No. 2 behind Jones the starter.

Dec 1, 2022 1:21 PM EST


Limited by quad injury

Dillon (quadriceps) practiced in a limited capacity Wednesday.

Analysis: Dillon joined fellow running back Aaron Jones (shin/glute) on the injury report to kick off Week 13 prep. The latter has been a regular on reports for four weeks in a row, while former is showing up after enduring an awkward tackle near the end of this past Sunday's loss at Philadelphia. Dillon and Jones have two more sessions this week to put themselves in positions to suit up Sunday at Chicago.

Nov 30, 2022 1:41 PM EST


Hits pay dirt on SNF

Dillon rushed eight times for 64 yards and a touchdown and caught three of four targets for 24 yards in Sunday's 40-33 loss to Philadelphia.

Analysis: Dillon and Aaron Jones (15 touches for 99 yards and a score) literally carried the Packers offense in a heated primetime battle against the top contender in the NFC. It was the 24-year-old's first touchdown since Week 1, which seems low given his size (6-foot, 247 pounds) and bruising running style. Aaron Jones is still the lead back in Green Bay, but his backup has received double-digit touches in four of the last five contests while serving a complementary role. Dillon will look to build off of his best game of the 2022 season in a soft matchup against the Bears on Sunday.

Nov 27, 2022 11:31 PM EST


Limited to seven touches in loss

Dillon had six carries for 13 yards and one reception for 10 yards in Thursday's 27-17 loss to the Titans.

Analysis: Dillon played about as many snaps as he is averaging in Thursday's contest, but he wound up finishing with fewer than 10 touches for the third time in seven appearances. Since the start of that stretch he has averaged just 42.3 yards from scrimmage per game and has not found paydirt, so he has provided little assistance for those including him in fantasy lineups.

Nov 18, 2022 7:10 AM EST


Performs well in complementary role

Dillon ran the ball 13 times for 65 yards and was not targeted in the passing game in Sunday's 31-28 win over Dallas.

Analysis: Aaron Jones (24/138/1) was able to suit up after injuring his ankle last week, which kept Dillon in his usual change-of-pace role Sunday. The 24-year-old has been effective in his role behind Jones this season (4.1 YPC), but the ceiling on his touches and lack of touchdowns (one total) have dampened Dillon's upside in 2022. The bruising backup is still worth rostering for his high floor and potential future value if more touches open up. For now, Dillon is clinging on to flex value heading into a tough matchup against a stingy Titans' run defense this Thursday.

Nov 13, 2022 7:24 PM EST


Finishes game for injured starter

Dillon rushed 11 times for 34 yards and caught two of four targets for 10 yards in Sunday's 15-9 win over the Lions.

Analysis: Dillon's final stat line was nothing to write home about, but the big takeaway from this game was the premature exit of starter Aaron Jones (ankle). The latter left the game in the second half and did not return, leaving Dillon to handle most of Green Bay's rushing duties. Rookie Kylin Hill was the only other back to see action with one carry for seven yards. If Jones is forced to miss time, Dillon's workload should increase heavily, so fantasy managers should monitor. The 24-year-old was already averaging double-digit touches and rushing for right around the four yards per carry mark, so an increase in volume and an uptick in targets out of the backfield would elevate Dillon into RB2 territory if he starts against Dallas next Sunday.

Nov 6, 2022 2:16 PM EST


Powers for 54 yards in loss

Dillon rushed 10 times for 54 yards and caught his lone target for nine yards in Sunday's 27-17 loss to the Bills.

Analysis: Dillon was able to get back to double-digit touches after failing to do so in two of his last three contests. The plodding back still played second fiddle to Aaron Jones (20 carries for 143 yards), and he also had to leave the game briefly for an ankle injury after he was pulled down awkwardly on the turf. Dillon returned to the game and did not appear to be limited from that point forward, so fantasy managers may have dodged a lengthy absence. The 24-year-old is averaging 4.2 yards per carry despite his inconsistent usage this season, so he should remain rostered in the event his playing time stabilizes. Dillon could still draw flex appeal even with limited touches in a soft matchup against the Lions next Sunday.

Oct 30, 2022 11:08 PM EST


Limited to four carries Sunday

Dillon rushed four times for 15 yards and didn't draw a target in the Packers' 23-21 loss to the Commanders on Sunday.

Analysis: The bruising tailback's disappointing season hit a new low Sunday, as Dillon logged the fewest carries and rushing yards of the campaign. He also wasn't targeted for the second time in three contests, leaving him fantasy outlook notably depressed going into a Week 8 matchup against the Bills on Sunday night.

Oct 23, 2022 10:17 PM EST


Another mediocre outing

Dillon rushed 10 times for 41 yards and caught four of six targets for 11 yards in Sunday's 27-10 loss to the Jets.

Analysis: Dillon again led the Packers in carries despite rushing for under 50 yards for the fourth time in six games this season. The tailback was also involved in a fumbled handoff exchange during the second quarter, although that turnover was pinned on quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While Dillon's consistent involvement keeps him a weekly factor to consider, Green Bay's offensive struggles while arguably underutilizing teammate Aaron Jones clouds both players' respective outlooks ahead of Week 7's matchup versus Washington.

Oct 16, 2022 1:53 PM EST


Limited to six carries

Dillon rushed the ball six times for 34 yards in Sunday's 27-22 loss to the Giants.

Analysis: Dillon saw a season-low six touches, with Aaron Jones instead racking up 13 carries. Dillon was effective with his limited work, highlighted by gains of 11 and seven yards. Also notable was his lack of involvement as a receiver, as he failed to record a reception or be targeted for the first time in a game this season. Dillon has been a fantasy disappointment through five weeks, tallying only 245 rushing yards, 69 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Oct 9, 2022 1:48 PM EST


Season high on ground

Dillon rushed 17 times for 73 yards in Sunday's 27-24 overtime win over the Patriots. He also caught one of two targets for 11 yards.

Analysis: Dillon gained steam over the course of Sunday's contest, ultimately finishing with a season high in rushing yards. His workload came while running mate Aaron Jones enjoyed another highly efficient outing, carrying 16 times for 110 yards. With the Packers now boasting three straight wins, expect both Dillon and Jones to continue garnering significant workloads as Green Bay travels to London to face in Giants in Week 5.

Oct 2, 2022 5:08 PM EST


Returns to full practice

Dillon (knee) was a full practice participant Thursday.

Analysis: Dillon made a surprise showing on Wednesday's practice report as limited with a knee issue, but in the end it wasn't cause for concern ahead of Sunday's contest against the Patriots. His efficiency on the ground has been lacking through three games -- 3.5 YPC on 40 rushes -- but he's supplemented his stat line with eight catches (on 12 targets) for 58 yards while scoring one TD on the ground.

Sep 29, 2022 1:39 PM EST


Limited by knee injury

Dillon was limited at Wednesday's practice by a knee injury, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: This is the first reference of a health concern for Dillon this season, but on a positive note he was able to handle some drills to kick off Week 4 prep. His activity level nonetheless should be monitored closely this week to get a sense of if he's in danger of being limited or even out Sunday against the Patriots. In such a scenario, Aaron Jones would handle the bulk of the backfield reps for the Packers.

Sep 28, 2022 1:33 PM EST


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