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Sports News

Battle for Packers’ No. 3 Running Back Spot Heating Up

Credit: iStock

With one preseason game to go, the Packers’ number 3 running back job is still on the market.

No one has seized a firm grip on the third-string job yet, so the competition is carrying all the way through Thursday’s preseason finale at Kansas City.

Since 2021 7th-round draft pick Kylin Hill remains on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) due to last season’s knee injury, it’s been a three-horse race amongst second-year pro Patrick Taylor, undrafted rookie Tyler Goodson, and recent returnee Dexter Williams.

Here are the stats through two preseason games:

Taylor – 11 carries, 37 yards (long 6)

Goodson – 22 carries, 79 yards (long 15); 3 receptions, 24 yards

Williams – 8 carries, 53 yards (long 25)

The reality is that those numbers probably won’t mean much when it comes to the final decision. Head Coach Matt LaFleur has mentioned in recent days that special teams and pass protection will factor heavily into who wins the job, and the players understand this.

Regarding special teams, they’re getting opportunities in different roles on new coordinator Rich Bisaccia’s units and doing their best to prove reliable, whether as blockers, cover guys or return men.