The Green Bay Packers face tough roster decisions as the NFL cutdown deadline looms, and one of the most intriguing battles is at the running back position. With Josh Jacobs as the clear starter and Emmanuel Wilson likely securing a spot, the remaining slots in the running back room are anything but guaranteed. A surprising name on the chopping block? Former third-round pick Tyrion Davis-Price, previously with the San Francisco 49ers, a fierce NFC West rival that has knocked the Packers out of the playoffs three times in the last six seasons, including twice in the last three.
MarShawn Lloyd’s Injury Shakes Up the Depth Chart
The Packers’ running back situation took a hit during the preseason when rookie MarShawn Lloyd suffered a hamstring injury, sidelining him for an extended period. Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Lloyd would be out “for a while,” potentially landing him on the Injured Reserve (IR) with a “designated to return” status. According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, if Lloyd is placed on IR during roster cuts, he’d miss at least the first four games of the 2024 season. However, this move could allow Green Bay to preserve two valuable running back spots without cutting a player they’d prefer to keep, as Lloyd would likely make the roster if healthy.
This injury has intensified the competition for the remaining running back spots, putting players like Davis-Price and others under the microscope.
Tyrion Davis-Price’s Uphill Battle
Tyrion Davis-Price, a former LSU standout and a 2022 third-round pick by the 49ers, joined the Packers on August 12 after bouncing around the NFL. His tenure with San Francisco was underwhelming, amassing just 120 rushing yards from 2022 to 2023 before being waived in December 2023. After stints with the Eagles and Titans, Davis-Price landed in Green Bay, hoping to revive his career. However, with limited time to prove himself and only seven rushing yards in the preseason, his chances of making the final 53-man roster appear slim.
Schneidman predicts the Packers will stick with the trio of Josh Jacobs, Emmanuel Wilson, and Chris Brooks, a 2023 undrafted free agent who has shown promise. This leaves little room for Davis-Price, despite his draft pedigree, or other hopefuls like Israel Abanikanda, a fifth-round pick formerly with the Jets.
A Crowded Room with Little Margin for Error
The Packers’ running back depth isn’t considered one of their strongest position groups, which makes the decision to potentially cut a player like Davis-Price even more surprising. His limited preseason action and lack of opportunity to showcase his skills have worked against him. Meanwhile, the team’s preference for continuity with Jacobs, Wilson, and Brooks signals confidence in their established options.
As the roster cutdown deadline approaches, the Packers’ decision to potentially part ways with a former high draft pick from a rival team underscores the brutal reality of NFL roster battles. For Davis-Price, the clock is ticking to prove he belongs in Green Bay—or elsewhere in the league.