GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon has a broken right thumb, and it’s not clear whether he’ll play Sunday against Tampa Bay.
Dillon stated on Thursday, “We’re just taking it day by day, just trying to see how I’m feeling as it’s going and stuff like that moving forward.”
The injury happened on Monday night during the Packers’ last drive in their 24-22 loss to the New York Giants.
Dillon remarked, “Got hit with a helmet lined up the right way.” “Just enough, just right.”
Running back depth was already an issue for the Packers (6-7). Due to a knee injury, Aaron Jones has missed the previous three games and had a limited practice on Thursday.
Jones declared, “I’m feeling a lot better.” “Had to move around today and made a lot of progress in practice. I’ll take it day by day, but I think I’ll be okay on Sunday.
Due to a shoulder injury, Fort Valley State rookie Emanuel Wilson is still on injured reserve. Kenyan Drake was added to the practice squad by the Packers last week, and Patrick Taylor is currently a member of the team.
Against the Giants, Taylor had two catches for 22 yards and four carries for 30 yards.
“We have faith in those guys,” said Matt LaFleur, the coach of the Packers. Kenyan is undoubtedly still learning our system, but in my opinion, he’s a pro. From the moment he arrived, he has conducted himself appropriately. He’s invested the time. He seems to have a decent understanding, in my opinion. I have nothing but positive things to say about him because he’s been around a lot of balls and I believe it makes it easier for guys to acclimate in a timely manner. We will proceed as necessary since PT has undoubtedly done a great deal for us.
Dillon has never missed a game due to injury in his four-year career.
“There are still a few days in the week,” Dillon stated. “I have to answer those questions for myself. I’m going to go if I can. I’ve experienced a few things in the last few years that have clearly hurt me, but I’m still able to play. If I can, I try to be outside. That doesn’t alter at this time.
Dillon has rushed for a team-high 574 yards, averaging 3.5 yards per carry. He has 22 catches for 223 yards.
NOTES LaFleur said he doesn’t anticipate WR Christian Watson (hamstring) practicing on Friday, making it increasingly likely the 2022 second-round pick misses a second straight game. … LG Elgton Jenkins (shoulder) and S Darnell Savage (shoulder) didn’t practice Thursday. … CB Jaire Alexander (shoulder), OLB Kingsley Enagbare (toe), CB Keisean Nixon (quadriceps), S Jonathan Owens (knee), WR Jayden Reed (ankle), DL TJ Slaton (quadriceps), LB Quay Walker (shoulder) and WR Dontayvion Wicks (ankle) were limited in practice. Alexander has missed five straight games, and Walker didn’t play against the Giants. … CB Eric Stokes (hamstring) was a full practice participant. He could be activated from injured reserve.
