The Green Bay Packers placed running back AJ Dillon (neck) on injured reserve Tuesday, and he will miss the entire 2024 season. This is a huge blow for the Packers and Dillon's fantasy managers. The 26-year-old was expected to be Green Bay's RB2 behind Josh Jacobs and have a significant role in the team's offense. Dillon had 613 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns over 15 games last season. MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) made the 53-man roster and is expected to back up Jacobs in 2024 with Dillon sidelined.
Aug 27, 2024 4:49 PM EST
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon (stinger) is being held out of practice due to a stinger that Dillon suffered toward the end of last season. Per Matt LaFleur, Dillon being held out of practice is for precautionary reasons. With Dillon being held out and backfield mate MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) nursing an injury of his own, the Green Bay backfield has been hit hard with the injury bug. Dillon averaged just 3.4 yards per attempt in his worst season as a pro, with 613 rushing yards on 178 attempts. The role for Dillon is up in the air with Lloyd's injury and Josh Jacobs coming in to be the top running back for the Packers. It's a thin bet to expect Dillon to have a fantasy-friendly role in 2024 outside of injury, so keep him undrafted in fantasy drafts.
Aug 21, 2024 9:55 PM EST
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon recorded four carries for two yards in the Packers' preseason opener against the Browns. Dillon entered the game with the second offense on the Packers' second drive. He appears to be in position to be the Packers' No. 2 running back to start the season. However, Dillon continued the inefficient running he displayed in 2023. With rookie MarShawn Lloyd's (hamstring) status uncertain moving forward, Dillon may be able to hold the job for now.
Aug 10, 2024 10:15 PM EST
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon, who had a highly disappointing 2023 campaign for the Packers, has apparent reported to training camp in great shape. "This is THE best I've seen him. Hands down," head coach Matt LaFleur said. It's that time of the year when tons of best-shape-of-my-life stories start to surface. Take it with a grain of salt. The 26-year-old Dillon has plenty of motivation to improve this summer after averaging a weak 3.4 yards per carry on his 178 rushing attempts last year. The former second-rounder is on notice after the Packers drafted MarShawn Lloyd in the third round in April, so he may need a strong camp and preseason to avoid opening the regular season as the RB3 in Green Bay. Dillon's performance this summer will be something to watch, but after last season, he's off the fantasy radar in 12-team leagues.
Jul 23, 2024 1:06 PM EST
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon "knows he isn't assured a roster spot" heading into the 2024 season, according to Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal. While the Packers parted with Aaron Jones this offseason, they replaced him with Josh Jacobs and also drafted MarShawn Lloyd in the third round. Thus, with a crowded backfield, the Packers may need Dillon to go above and beyond this summer in order to keep him on their roster ahead of Week 1. As Wilde notes, though, Dillon is aware of his job insecurity and has put in tremendous work this offseason. "This is as hard as I've seen him work in the offseason," running backs coach Ben Sirmans noted. If Dillon does make the roster, he'll be nothing more than a low-end RB3/FLEX option in fantasy football as he operates behind Jacobs and competes with Lloyd for touches. On the other hand, Green Bay does have some incentive to move on from the Boston College product. Dillon is currently on a one-year prove-it deal, and releasing him would create $1,125,000 in cap space for the Packers while carrying just $167,500 in dead money. This will be a roster battle that all fantasy managers should monitor over the next month-plus.
Jul 15, 2024 6:45 PM EST
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon was once viewed as a future breakout star in fantasy football, but his disastrous 2023 campaign and the addition of rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd have his value at an all-time low. The Boston College product rushed 178 times for 613 yards and two touchdowns last year, and his 3.4-yards-per-carry average was by far the worst of his career. However, heading into his fifth NFL training camp, the 26-year-old is reportedly in the best shape of his life. "Dillon is looking more trim this offseason while still maintaining his muscle mass," Paul Bretl of ESPN wrote. "The result appears to be a more explosive version of Dillon, which the Packers need." While it's a great sign that Dillon is motivated for a bounce-back year, he could be approaching fantasy irrelevance. Josh Jacobs is the clear lead back, while Lloyd is an explosive rusher and pass-catcher that Green Bay will likely feature in the RB2 role. Deep-league fantasy managers can still consider picking him up in the late rounds of drafts, as he could become a viable flex option if Lloyd disappoints and Jacobs struggles to stay healthy.
Jul 10, 2024 4:44 PM EST
The Green Bay Packers officially re-signed running back AJ Dillon on Friday. Dillon was originally selected by the Packers in the second round (62nd overall) in 2020 out of Boston College. He has played in 60 games (11 starts) for the team during the regular season and has compiled 2,428 yards on 597 carries (4.1 yards per carry) with 16 touchdowns while recording 86 receptions for 763 yards (8.9 yards per catch) with two touchdowns. The 25-year-old had a career-low 3.4 yards per carry in 15 regular-season games (six starts) in Green Bay in 2023 and failed to take advantage of Aaron Jones missing some time with injuries. Dillon missed the final three games due to a neck stinger, but he should be fully healthy for the start of the 2024 season this fall, where he'll be back as the No. 2 RB behind newcomer Josh Jacobs.
Mar 15, 2024 8:55 PM EST
Free-agent running back AJ Dillon is expected to re-sign with the Green Bay Packers on an undisclosed deal, pending a physical, according to sources. Dillon will return to the organization that selected him with their second-round pick in 2020 out of Boston College. The 25-year-old had more of an opportunity to pick up extra touches in Green Bay's backfield with Aaron Jones missing some time with injury, but he failed to take advantage of it and finished with a career-low 3.4 yards per carry on 178 rushing attempts. Dillon had a disappointing 613 rushing yards and only two touchdowns in 15 regular-season games (six starts). Jones is now in Minnesota, but Dillon will return to the Packers to play second fiddle to Josh Jacobs now.
Mar 14, 2024 6:21 PM EST
Free-agent running back AJ Dillon has several options in free agency outside of the Green Bay Packers, with sources saying that he's looking at the New York Giants, Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys. The Giants lost Saquon Barkley to the division-rival Eagles, but they also recently added Devin Singletary to be their lead back. The Colts are looking for a complement to starter Jonathan Taylor after Zack Moss signed with the Bengals. The Cowboys, who lost Tony Pollard to the Titans, would be the best fit for Dillon from a playing-time perspective. the 25-year-old former second-round pick in 2020 out of Boston College had a career-low 3.4 yards per carry in 15 regular-season games for Green Bay last year and hasn't proven that he can handle a lead-back role in his four years in the NFL.
Mar 13, 2024 12:19 PM EST
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon might've played his last season with the organization. Dillon is set to become a free agent this offseason and it doesn't sound like the organization is too eager to bring Dillon back next season. The former second-round pick struggled to establish himself during his contract season. Dillon rushed 178 times for 613 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games. Dillon received plenty of chances with fellow back Aaron Jones missing six games. Despite the extra attempts, Dillon averaged a career-low 3.4 yards per carry. He should have plenty of interest as a backup, but Dillon will have a tough time finding himself a lead back role heading into next season.
Mar 1, 2024 8:43 PM EST
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon (neck, thumb) has been ruled out ahead of Saturday's playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers. Dillon hasn't suited up since Week 17 as he continues to deal with multiple injuries. His absence means that Aaron Jones is going to see the bulk of the carries during this game. Jones has a tough matchup against the 49ers defense, but could be worth a look as a DFS option with the Packers shorthanded.
Jan 20, 2024 7:01 PM EST
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon (neck, thumb) is listed as questionable to play on Saturday in the Divisional Round against the San Francisco 49ers. Dillon actually practiced for the first time on Thursday since suffering a neck stinger in Week 17, but it doesn't mean the 25-year-old will be active as the Packers look to pull off a second straight huge upset, this time over the NFC's top-seeded 49ers. Even if Dillon is active on Saturday, he's most likely to see very few touches behind Aaron Jones, who has now gone over 100 yards rushing in four straight games. If Dillon misses his third straight game, Emanuel Wilson and Patrick Taylor will continue chipping in to spell Jones in Green Bay's backfield. Those playing DFS in the Divisional Round should be looking to avoid Dillon if he's active.
Jan 18, 2024 4:03 PM EST
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon (thumb/neck) did not practice on Wednesday. He is dealing with thumb and neck injuries that caused him to miss the Wild Card win over the Dallas Cowboys. His absence on Saturday would mean another big workload for Aaron Jones against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional Round. If Dillon does play, he'll have limited DFS and fantasy value against a defense that allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs during the regular season. Jones will be an intriguing option either way due to his explosiveness and pass-catching upside, but the matchup could prove to be too much for him, too. Green Bay must release their official game-day injury designations on Thursday, so we'll get a better idea of Dillon's status tomorrow.
Jan 17, 2024 2:46 PM EST
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon (neck, thumb) was listed as a non-participant on Tuesday's estimated practice report. Dillon has not practiced since he suffered a neck stinger in Week 17. He's going to need to get back to practice on Wednesday or Thursday to have a chance to play in Saturday's Divisional Round contest on the road in San Francisco against the 49ers. And even if Dillon does play this weekend, he's going to take a back seat to Aaron Jones, who is playing his best ball into the playoffs. If the 25-year-old Dillon is forced to miss a third straight game, Emanuel Wilson and Patrick Taylor will continue to compete for change-of-pace touches behind Jones in Green Bay's backfield. Dillon averaged a career-low 3.4 yards per carry with only two rushing touchdowns in 15 regular-season games in 2023.
Jan 16, 2024 7:27 PM EST
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon (thumb, neck) is officially inactive for Sunday's playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys. He missed all three practices this week and was trending in the wrong direction after the team listed him as questionable. With Dillon sidelined, the Packers will deploy Patrick Taylor as the No. 2 option behind Aaron Jones out of the backfield. Jones should operate as an every-down back but could have some difficulty running against the Cowboys' strong defensive front.
Jan 14, 2024 3:12 PM EST
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that running back AJ Dillon (neck, thumb) is doubtful to play in Sunday's wild-card playoff contest against the Dallas Cowboys. Dillon missed practices on Wednesday and Thursday after missing the Week 18 win over the Chicago Bears due to a stinger he suffered in Week 17. He's also recovering from a fractured thumb, but the stinger is the more serious injury and the one that will likely cause him to miss a second straight game. With Dillon likely out this weekend, it will make Aaron Jones more attractive in DFS lineups at a reasonable price against a Dallas defense that has been soft against the run at times this year. Patrick Taylor will most likely operate as Jones' backup in Dallas on Sunday.
Jan 12, 2024 2:49 PM EST
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon (neck, thumb) remained sidelined for the team's practice on Thursday for the second straight day. Dillon did not play in the Week 18 win over the Chicago Bears after suffering a stinger in Week 17, and he's trending toward missing a second straight game on Sunday in the wild-card playoff contest versus the Dallas Cowboys. The 25-year-old has one more day to get onto the practice field on Friday, but even if he does and ultimately is active for wild-card weekend, he's going to play second fiddle to lead back Aaron Jones. If Dillon is inactive this weekend, Patrick Taylor would serve as Jones' backup. Jones has three straight 100-yard games and is looking more and more attractive for DFS lineups against a Cowboys run defense that was a top-10 matchup for the last five weeks for opposing RBs.
Jan 11, 2024 7:30 PM EST
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that running back AJ Dillon (neck, thumb) was the only player not to take part in practice on Wednesday. Dillon suffered a stinger in Week 17, didn't practice at all last week and was held out of the Week 18 regular season finale victory over the Chicago Bears. It's not a good start for the 25-year-old this week, but he still has a couple days to return to practice before the team's Sunday playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys. If Dillon can't get back on the practice field and misses a second straight game, it would make Aaron Jones, who is currently listed at $6,300 on DraftKings, a more attractive DFS piece as Green Bay looks to pull the upset on the road. Since returning from injury in Week 15, Jones has averaged 5.41 yards per carry for 411 rushing yards, although he was unable to find the end zone.
Jan 10, 2024 4:15 PM EST
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon (neck, thumb) has been officially ruled out for the Week 18 regular season finale this Sunday against the division-rival Chicago Bears. Dillon suffered a broken right thumb that kept him from playing in Week 15, but a neck stinger he suffered in the Week 17 win over the Minnesota Vikings is ultimately what will keep him out of this weekend's must-win game against Chicago. It remains to be seen if the 25-year-old will be able to play in the wild-card round next week if Green Bay is victorious this weekend. With Dillon out, it will mean more backfield touches for Aaron Jones in a good matchup against the Bears run defense. Patrick Taylor will back up Jones. Dillon finishes his fourth NFL season with a career-worst 3.4 yards per carry, 613 rushing yards and just two touchdowns in 15 games played.
Jan 5, 2024 3:01 PM EST
Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon (neck, thumb) is missing a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday. A fractured right thumb kept Dillon sidelined in Week 15, and in two games since his return, he's carried the ball only 14 times for just 39 yards and one touchdown. The bruising RB suffered a neck stinger in the Week 17 win over the Minnesota Vikings and is now questionable to play in a must-win Week 18 contest versus the division-rival Chicago Bears. The 25-year-old will need to practice on Friday to have a chance at playing. Even if Dillon does suit up this weekend in a big game, he'll play second fiddle to Aaron Jones and will be a low-upside, unattractive sleeper play in DFS formats in a tough matchup. If Dillon cannot play, Patrick Taylor would serve as Jones' backup.
Jan 4, 2024 3:20 PM EST