Popular Green Bay Packers running back A.J. Dillon faces an uncertain future after the team placed him on the IR on Tuesday when the team reduced it’s roster to 53 players. Because Dillon was not designated to return, he will have to sit out the entire 2024 NFL season unless the Packers subsequently release him with an injury settlement.
Most people were surprised Dillon re-signed with the Packers. The former Boston College star struggled through the 2023 NFL season. Dillon ran for 613 yards which was the lowest output since his rookie year when he saw limited action. His average yards per carry was a career low 3.4 and he tied his career low for rushing touchdowns with two.
Dillon had a chance to shine when starter Aaron Jones struggled with injuries for most of the season. “Quadzilla” started six games and ran the ball more in several others while Jones was either out of the lineup or on a play count. Unfortunately, he didn’t take advantage of this opportunity.
Late in the season, Dillon suffered a stinger injury that caused him to miss the regular season finale and both Packers playoffs games.
During the offseason, most people expected Jones to renegotiate his deal with the Packers and return while Dillon would likely test the free agent market. Instead, the Packers were unable to agree on a contract with Jones and Dillon surprised everybody by signing a team-friendly, one-year contract with the Pack using a salary cap loophole.
Dillon was healthy to start the team’s offseason program and training camp. Unfortunately, he suffered another stinger during the team’s joint practice with the Denver Broncos. The extent of the injury was not immediately disclosed but Dillon did not play in either of the final two preseason games and did not participate in practice after he got hurt.
Dillon admitted he was concerned about suffering another stinger. “Yeah, I mean, it’s human nature, but there is nothing you can do about it,” he explained last week. “I’m not a doctor, so it’s kind of on their time to let me know what their thoughts are. Our trainers, I think above everything we want to be safe and smart. You only get one body. So, thinking about how we can be out there and be as protected but also go out there and play care-free and go play football the way I want to play football.”
Stingers are injuries to the nerves in the neck, arm, and hand. Most of the time, players recover from them quickly. But in some instances, the damage can be more long-term. For an NFL running back, the need to hold onto the football when other players are trying to tackle you and cause you to fumble the ball is critical.
It later became clear that Dillon had likely suffered a more serious injury. When the final cuts were announced, Dillon was placed on IR without the designation to return.
On Wednesday, GM Brian Gutekunst addressed Dillon’s situation with the media. “He had the injury last year and went through some things this year that I won’t get into the details of, but it was just something we weren’t comfortable with at the moment. Hopefully, that will change in time. Obviously, he won’t be with us this year, but he’s going to need some time to get through this to see exactly how this will shake out. Obviously, I wish him the best. He’s a pro’s pro. It’s a tough blow when these things happen. Hopefully, in a short time, he’ll get some good news.”
There are two issues here. One is Dillon’s football future. He is not under contract for 2025. He may be done playing for the Packers unless they sign him to a new contract. Dillon may also be unable to resume his football career if the injury does not heal properly.
Hopefully, there is no long-term risk to Dillon’s personal health outside of football. That is even more important than being able to continue his football career.
Dillon has always been a great teammate. He earned the nickname, “The Mayor of Door County” for his involvement in the community and his popularity with the fans. We wish him a complete and speedy recovery and a bright future both in and outside of football.
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