Packers RB AJ Dillon lands on IR with neck injury

Packers running back AJ Dillon was placed on injured reserve with no designation to return, ending his 2024 season before it begins.

Dillon, 26, finished last season on IR with a neck stinger, the same injury that will prevent him from suiting up as the primary backup to new starting running back Josh Jacobs this season.

Rookie third-rounder MarShawn Lloyd and Emanuel Wilson are listed as the primary backups for the Packers, who parted with longtime starter Aaron Jones.

Lloyd's availability for Week 1 has been questioned because of a hamstring injury, but he avoided starting the season on the physically unable to perform list.

Dillon had 613 rushing yards last season and was lauded for his success in short-yardage since joining the Packers as a second-round pick in 2020.

He has 2,428 yards and 16 touchdowns with the Packers.

Dillon missed the final three games of the 2023 season with a neck stinger, his second of the season. But general manager Brian Gutekunst said at the NFL Scouting Combine the Packers were planning to make an offer to Dillon.

"AJ's done a great job for us the past four years and we'd love to have him back," Gutekunst said.

He re-signed with the Packers in March rather than pursue a larger role elsewhere in free agency. According to NFL Network, the one-year deal was a little-used qualifying offer known as a four-year QC (qualifying contract).

--Field Level Media