Who Should I Start? A.J. Dillon or Chris Brooks

Wednesday, July 23, 9:39 PM

Philadelphia Eagles running back AJ Dillon was seen taking first team reps during the first day of training camp on Wednesday. It's only the beginning of camp, but it is interesting to see Dillon getting first team snaps over Will Shipley. Dillon was brought in on a one-year deal this offseason to replace Kenneth Gainwell who departed in free agency. Dillon did not play last season due to a neck injury, but appears to be at full health again. He posted three seasons with 600 rushing yards or more during his time with the Green Bay Packers. The 27-year-old is certainly capable of being a viable backup to Saquon Barkley. Neither Dillon nor Shipley figure to have weekly value with Barkley healthy, but both could be on the radar if Barkley ever misses time. Whoever wins the backup job could be a solid stash option.

Tuesday, August 5, 1:16 PM

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said there's nothing that running back Chris Brooks can't do and also expressed confidence in Brooks as the team's RB2 behind Josh Jacobs with both Emanuel Wilson and MarShawn Lloyd out with injuries currently at training camp. Brooks and Wilson stepped up behind Jacobs in 2024 with Lloyd playing in just one game in his rookie season due to injuries. The 25-year-old Brooks handled only 36 rushing attempts for 183 yards and a touchdown, although he averaged over five yards per carry for the second straight season. He added 11 catches for 69 yards on 13 targets in 15 regular-season games (no starts). While it's nice that Green Bay has confidence in Brooks to back up Jacobs if needed, he's not going to be very relevant in fantasy unless both Wilson and Lloyd aren't ready to go for the start of the regular season.