In addition to the return of Micah Parsons to practice, the Green Bay Packers also designated running back Chris Brooks for return from injured reserve on Wednesday. Brooks, who has missed the last four games with an ankle injury, practiced with the team on Wednesday, opening his 21-day practice window.
During the first four weeks of the 2026 season, Brooks played 102 snaps -- or 40 percent of the offense's snaps -- and made two starts. He carried 15 times for 70 yards and caught three passes for 24 yards. He also played 29 snaps on special teams.
The Packers now have three weeks -- or until Wednesday, Nov. 25 -- to determine Brooks' roster status. It's currently unclear if Brooks will be activated in time to play on Sunday against the New England
Patriots.
Roster decisions loom. The Packers currently have four running backs on the 53-man roster: Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd, Pierre Strong Jr. and Kaleb Johnson. Since the return of Jacobs in Week 7, Johnson -- who was acquired via trade to start the 2026 season -- has been a healthy scratch.
Over the last month, Strong Jr. has taken over many of Brooks' third-down running back roles. Jacobs and Lloyd have handled most of the run game duties. Johnson hasn't been good enough as a runner to overcome his lack of receiving/blocking/special teams value and earn a spot on the gameday roster with Jacobs back in the fold.
With the return of Brooks looming, and the trade deadline approaching, will the Packers make a splash at the running back position in an attempt to jumpstart the run game? Or will Brooks' return be the only addition to the room?
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers designate RB Chris Brooks for return from IR on Wednesday
