Packers’ running back situation goes from bad to worse following latest roster move

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Packers’ running back situation goes from bad to worse following latest roster move

Lou Landers · The Big Lead

Sat, Oct 10, 2026 ·

2 min read

Packers lose another important piece

NFL: Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings

Sep 13, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) hands the ball off to Green Bay Packers running back Chris Brooks (30) during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Brooks had emerged as an important part of Green Bay's backfield while Josh Jacobs remains on the NFL commissioner's exempt list. Through four games, Brooks had 70 rushing yards on 15 carries, averaging 4.7 yards per attempt, which was the best mark among Packers running backs.

His injury is particularly significant because Brooks had provided a reliable presence in the backfield while also handling an important pass-protection role. He rushed for 30 yards on four carries against Tampa Bay before leaving the game with his ankle injury, including a 27-yard run.

Brooks will miss at least four games while on injured reserve, meaning the earliest he can return is Week 9 against the New England Patriots.

Packers' running game faces even more pressure

NFL: Green Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Oct 4, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) hands of the ball to running back Chris Brooks (30) during the first quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The timing could hardly be worse for Green Bay. Jacobs has missed the first four games while on the exempt list, and the Packers have struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack without their starting running back.

The Packers' current healthy running back group includes MarShawn Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson, and Pierre Strong Jr., who was elevated from the practice squad earlier this week.

Green Bay's rushing attack currently ranks last in the NFL, while none of the team's running backs have recorded a rushing touchdown through four games.

With Brooks now headed to injured reserve and no clear timetable for Jacobs' return, the Packers are facing an increasingly difficult situation in the backfield. What was already a major concern entering Week 5 has now become an even bigger problem for an offense that needs to find more consistency on the ground.