The Green Bay Packers appeared ready to usher in a new era at running back after releasing longtime starter Aaron Jones this past offseason. Despite making several new additions to the backfield, the Packers also opted to re-sign AJ Dillon to a one-year, team-friendly contract.
Yet, Dillon’s return to Green Bay hasn’t exactly gone according to plan in 2024. Let’s examine why he is out for the entire season, Dillon’s injury history, and his uncertain future in Green Bay.
Why Isn’t AJ Dillon Playing?
Dillon suffered a cervical neck stinger in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings last season. He was forced to miss Green Bay’s regular-season finale and both of the team’s playoff games due to the injury.
When Dillon re-signed with the Packers this past offseason, he appeared to be fully healthy and ready to contribute once again. However, the 26-year-old running back suffered another cervical neck stinger during Green Bay’s joint practice with the Denver Broncos in August.
After initially suffering the injury, Dillon appeared optimistic and didn’t believe it was the same injury that he dealt with in 2023.
“I’ve had stingers in the past before the end of last year,” Dillon said after missing practice due to the injury. “Some are more severe than others, so you kind of look at them differently. But we’re waiting to get opinions back and see all the information before we make any statements that are untrue.”
While Dillon initially expressed optimism about his outlook, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur didn’t appear to share the same viewpoint.
“I think any time you have a repeated injury, absolutely, there is a concern,” LaFleur said. “I think we’re being cautious with him and just making sure we gather all the information before we let him go back out there.”
LaFleur’s concerns were confirmed when Dillon was diagnosed with a second cervical neck stinger. Dillon was officially placed on injured reserve during final cuts as a result, ultimately ending what could be his final season with the Packers.
While Dillon could sign another team-friendly deal to return to Green Bay, his health will ultimately decide his NFL future. Two cervical neck stingers within a nine-month period shouldn’t be taken lightly by Dillion or his potential next team.
During Dillon’s absence, Green Bay has remained one of the NFL’s top rushing offenses this season. Josh Jacobs is among the league’s top rushers, and Emanuel Wilson has emerged as a legitimate contributor in the team’s backfield after going undrafted in 2023.
Despite being sidelined for the entire season due to his neck injury, that hasn’t stopped Dillon from serving the community in Green Bay. His charity, The Dillon Family Foundation, sponsored an event to host families at the Children’s Museum of Green Bay for a meal and activities at no cost earlier this month.
While Dillon’s future in Green Bay remains uncertain, he hasn’t let that stop him from helping the fans who have supported him since 2020. Now we wait to see where Dillon will play in 2025 and beyond.