Packers RB Outlook: Who’s Ready for 2026?

Training Camp Opens July 29

The Green Bay Packers begin full‑scale practice on Wednesday, July 29, officially kicking off preparations for the 2026 season. After three straight playoff appearances, the team missed the postseason again and is eager to break the pattern in the upcoming year. Camp will be the first real window for fans and media to evaluate the backfield’s depth and uncertainties. The summer lineup will set the tone for whether the Packers can finally overcome recent disappointment.

Current Backfield Roster (5 Players)

• Josh Jacobs – Three‑time Pro Bowler with over 2,000 career touches in seven seasons; posted 30 touchdowns over the past two years. He is currently dealing with an off‑field legal situation that could affect his availability.
• Chris Brooks – Versatile option who can catch passes out of the backfield and block in passing situations; serves as a backup with solid pass‑protection skills.
• MarShawn Lloyd – 2024 third‑round pick praised for his explosiveness; has appeared in just one regular‑season game due to recurring injuries.
• Pierre Strong Jr. – Former fourth‑round selection from the 2022 draft; has logged 46 career games and adds kickoff return experience.
• Damien Martinez – 2025 seventh‑round pick who joined the practice squad late in the 2024 season; represents a developmental depth option.

Where the Backfield Faces Uncertainty

Green Bay’s running game looks well‑stocked on paper, but multiple question marks linger. Jacobs’ ongoing legal case could force the Packers to alter their plans at the position. Lloyd’s injury history makes him a risky bet for consistent play, while Brooks has never been a featured contributor. If either Jacobs is sidelined or Lloyd suffers another setback, the team may need to bring in external help before the season starts. The camp will be a critical testing ground for these scenarios.

Battle for the RB2 Role

With Emanuel Wilson no longer in the picture, the Packers need a reliable second back to spell Jacobs. MarShawn Lloyd brings the necessary explosiveness but struggles to stay healthy. Chris Brooks offers dependable pass protection and hard running but lacks the dynamic punch needed for a primary backup. Training camp will spotlight which player can emerge as the go‑to option in limited doses. A clear RB2 decision will be vital for balancing the offense and protecting the starter.

Legal Cloud Over Jacobs

The biggest off‑field story is Josh Jacobs’ unresolved legal matter stemming from a May domestic‑violence allegation. Although the case is not the most pressing issue for the Packers, it will dominate conversations until a resolution is reached. Should Jacobs miss games or be released, the workload on the rest of the backfield will increase dramatically. The team’s ability to manage this situation will directly impact their depth and game‑day flexibility. Until the legal process concludes, the cloud will linger over Green Bay’s running game plans.

Young Talent on the Move: MarShawn Lloyd

Lloyd’s health is the x‑factor that could reshape Green Bay’s rushing attack. He has the skill set and speed to become a difference maker, but he has appeared in only one game since being drafted in 2024. This summer will be a make‑or‑break period for the young third‑round pick to demonstrate he can endure the rigors of NFL practice and stay injury‑free. If Lloyd can stay healthy, he could provide the explosiveness the Packers have lacked and elevate the entire offense. The Packers are banking heavily on his recovery and development this camp.

The backfield is a collection of talent mixed with risk, and the 2026 season hinges on how those pieces fit together. Resolving Jacobs’ legal situation, keeping Lloyd healthy, and finding a reliable RB2 will dictate whether Green Bay can finally overcome past postseason setbacks. Training camp in late July will be the first real glimpse of whether the Packers have solved their running back puzzle or still face significant question marks.