This case with Josh Jacobs has unexpectedly made issues very uneasy over a critically necessary place within the Green Bay Packers offense. The entrance workplace remains to be seeking to kind out the main points after Jacobs was arrested on 5 costs, but when league self-discipline or a long-term absence happens, then it’s potential that Inexperienced Bay will begin veteran operating again choices.
There are three veteran choices on the desk, with every having its personal particular energy and talent set, however every of them would appear logical if the Packers completely wanted one other strong physique within the backfield.
Najee Harris may very well be a seamless transition
There’s a robust 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 operating 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 keep the identical bodily dashing 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 yr 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 displaying he can contribute as each a runner and receiver.
Whereas a few of the explosiveness from his days with the Kansas City Chiefs has pale, Hunt nonetheless runs with toughness and endurance between the tackles. For Inexperienced Bay, he might characterize 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 on the lookout for a brand new alternative because the New Orleans Saints not too long ago signed operating 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 crew reshapes its backfield.
Whereas Kamara is now north of 30 years previous, there may be nonetheless a lot suggesting he can function at a beginning caliber stage. He has constantly 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 over a bigger workload, might really assist protect Kamara bodily shifting 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 Josh Jacobs can return to play quickly
Presently, Inexperienced Bay might be hoping this whole state of affairs cools off, and Jacobs returns to enterprise as ordinary. NFL groups chasing championships, nonetheless, not often get pleasure from sitting round hoping issues clear up themselves. If the Packers start getting ready for the opportunity of dropping Jacobs for an prolonged interval, Hunt, Harris, and Kamara might develop into three names value watching very carefully over the approaching months.
