The Green Bay Packers enter the 2026 NFL season with Josh Jacobs firmly established as their starting running back. The more intriguing question is who will emerge as the primary backup—and potentially handle the largest workload if Jacobs misses time.
As of August 29, Green Bay’s unofficial depth chart lists Chris Brooks ahead of MarShawn Lloyd, Pierre Strong Jr., Damien Martinez and rookie Jaden Nixon. That order does not necessarily reveal how touches will be distributed, however. Brooks and Lloyd possess different skill sets that could make the Packers’ backup job more of a committee than a traditional No. 2 role.
Green Bay Packers Running Back Depth Chart
The Packers’ current unofficial running back depth chart is:
- Josh Jacobs
- Chris Brooks
- MarShawn Lloyd
- Pierre Strong Jr.
- Damien Martinez
- Jaden Nixon
Final roster decisions could alter the bottom of the group, but Brooks and Lloyd appear to be the leading options behind Jacobs.
Josh Jacobs Remains the Clear RB1
When available, Jacobs is the centerpiece of Green Bay’s running game. He offers the size, vision and durability to handle a substantial number of carries while also contributing as a receiver and pass protector.
The Packers do not need another back to split the job evenly with Jacobs. Instead, they need players who can complement his physical rushing style, contribute on passing downs and keep the offense functional when he leaves the field.
That is where Brooks and Lloyd enter the picture.
Chris Brooks: The Reliable Backup
Chris Brooks currently holds the No. 2 position on the Packers’ unofficial depth chart. His value comes from reliability rather than exceptional explosiveness.
At 6-foot-1 and 219 pounds, Brooks has the size to handle carries between the tackles. More importantly, he has earned trust through his work in pass protection, as a receiver and on special teams. Those responsibilities often determine which reserve running backs are active on game day.
Brooks signed a two-year extension with Green Bay during the 2026 offseason. Through 32 regular-season appearances entering the year, he had accumulated 449 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown on 87 touches.
He projects as Green Bay’s third-down and blocking back, although he could receive a larger workload if Jacobs is unavailable.
MarShawn Lloyd Offers the Most Upside
MarShawn Lloyd may be listed behind Brooks, but he has the strongest chance to become the Packers’ primary change-of-pace runner.
Green Bay selected Lloyd in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft because of his acceleration, open-field ability and potential as a receiver. His professional career has been disrupted by recurring injuries, including hamstring issues that prevented him from appearing during the 2025 regular season.
When healthy during the 2026 offseason, Lloyd worked with the first-team offense and displayed the dynamic ability that initially attracted the Packers. He also caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Love during Green Bay’s preseason victory over Denver.
Lloyd has considerably more offensive upside than the other reserve backs. The question is whether he can remain healthy enough to earn and retain a consistent role.
If he does, the functional depth chart could look different from the official listing: Brooks would handle protection and situational duties, while Lloyd would receive more of the rushing opportunities behind Jacobs.
Pierre Strong Jr. Brings Speed and Special-Teams Value
Pierre Strong Jr. is the most experienced of Green Bay’s remaining roster candidates. A former fourth-round selection, Strong entered the NFL with impressive speed and has recorded 499 rushing yards and two touchdowns across 46 career games.
Strong has remained behind Jacobs, Brooks and Lloyd in the preseason rotation, but his kick-return ability improves his chances of surviving roster cuts. He also provides experienced insurance if the Packers have concerns about Lloyd’s availability.
His path to regular offensive touches is less clear, but his versatility makes him a useful candidate for the final roster.
Damien Martinez and Jaden Nixon Face an Uphill Battle
Damien Martinez joined Green Bay late in the 2025 season and remained with the organization on a futures contract. The 6-foot, 217-pound back produced consecutive 1,000-yard college seasons at Oregon State and Miami, giving him developmental appeal as a physical runner.
Jaden Nixon signed with the Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2026. His speed and receiving ability offer an interesting developmental foundation, but he appears more likely to compete for a practice-squad position than a significant early-season role.
Both players may need to distinguish themselves on special teams to secure a place on the active roster.
What Happened to Emanuel Wilson?
Emanuel Wilson is no longer part of the Packers’ running back rotation. After spending three seasons as a reserve in Green Bay, Wilson signed with the Seattle Seahawks during the 2026 offseason.
His departure created additional opportunities for Brooks and Lloyd. It also left the Packers with relatively little proven rushing production behind Jacobs.
Who Is Josh Jacobs’ Primary Backup?
The answer depends on how the role is defined.
Brooks is officially listed as the Packers’ No. 2 running back and is the more dependable option in pass protection and situational football. Lloyd, however, has the talent to become the primary backup ball carrier and the offense’s preferred explosive complement to Jacobs.
The most likely arrangement is a division of responsibilities:
- Chris Brooks: Third downs, pass protection, receiving and special teams
- MarShawn Lloyd: Change-of-pace carries and explosive-play opportunities
- Pierre Strong Jr.: Depth, speed and kick returns
If Jacobs misses time, Green Bay would likely employ a committee rather than assign his entire workload to one player.
Packers RB Depth Chart Outlook for 2026
Jacobs remains the unquestioned starter, but the competition behind him is less straightforward than the official depth chart suggests. Brooks offers the highest level of dependability, while Lloyd possesses the greatest upside.
A healthy Lloyd could ultimately become Green Bay’s most productive reserve runner. Until he demonstrates consistent availability, though, Brooks remains an important part of the Packers’ plans.
The bottom of the depth chart remains unsettled ahead of final roster decisions, so Green Bay could still make a transaction before the regular season begins. For now, Brooks and Lloyd form the key tandem behind Jacobs, with Strong positioned as the leading alternative.