Without Josh Jacobs available, the Green Bay Packers are planning to use a committee at running back to start the 2026 season.
MarShawn Lloyd, Chris Brooks, Kaleb Johnson and Pierre Strong Jr. are all in the mix for the Packers at running back.
"As we go, it's going to be running back by committee for a little while, just to see where everyone is at," offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said Tuesday.
Lloyd, a 2024 third-round pick, is the presumed starter while Jacobs is on the Commissioner's Exempt List. Behind him, Brooks is a versatile player who can block and catch, while Johnson just arrived in Green Bay via trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers at final cuts. Strong has been with the Packers for two seasons but is beginning 2026 on the practice
squad.
It's unclear how the Packers plan to divide up snaps between the running backs on the roster to open the year. It's possible Lloyd will handle the majority of the early down snaps, while Brooks provides a capable third down and passing down option. Strong could be a viable elevation candidate from the practice squad early in the season as Johnson learns the offense.
Stenavich said he has no set plans for specific number of touches, but the Packers will find ways to get the ball in Lloyd's hands right away.
"But we definitely want to get him the ball. He has explosive ability and playmaking ability," Stenavich said.
Lloyd has appeared in one regular season game in two seasons and hasn't been on a regular season field since Week 2 of 2024. Brooks has never been a full-time player. Johnson, despite being a 2025 third-round pick of the Steelers, was used in a limited role as a rookie in Pittsburgh.
The Packers open the 2026 season on Sunday against Brian Flores and the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Expect Brooks to play a big role as a pass blocker against a blitz-happy Vikings defense.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers planning committee at RB to start 2026 season
