During the 2025 NFL season, it appeared that the Green Bay Packers had found a capable second running back behind Josh Jacobs in Emanuel Wilson. The third-year player made a strong impression when he replaced an injured Jacobs in Week 12 against the Minnesota Vikings, recording career highs in carries (28), rushing yards (107), and touchdowns (two). However, despite that early promise, Wilson’s impact faded significantly in the latter part of the season, leading to doubts about his continuing role on the team amid changes in the Packers’ backfield.
Wilson’s productivity sharply declined after his standout game, with him gaining less than 50 yards in six of Green Bay’s last seven contests, including the postseason. His involvement in the offense diminished, as he only logged double-digit carries in five games throughout the entire season—two of which were during Jacobs’ absence. This limited usage indicates the Packers’ hesitance to rely on Wilson when their primary running back was healthy.
Wilson’s Reduced Role and Challenges Ahead
MarShawn Lloyd’s absence for the whole season due to injuries initially positioned Wilson as the Packers’ RB2. However, Wilson’s efficiency and involvement waned as the year progressed. His performance slump toward the end of the season, especially during critical games, raises questions about his fit with Green Bay’s plans moving forward. The team may lean on Lloyd’s return, banking on his dynamic skill set to reinvigorate the backfield rather than continue with Wilson.
Wilson’s recent on-field struggles were evident in Week 18, when he lost 19 yards on a single run against the Vikings, and in the wild-card playoff game against the Chicago Bears, where he managed only one carry for three yards across 13 offensive snaps. Entering the offseason as a restricted free agent, Wilson seems unlikely to retain the RB2 role.
MarShawn Lloyd’s Return Could Change the Packers’ Backfield Dynamics
Despite recurring injuries since his entry into the NFL, Lloyd remains a compelling option for the Packers, particularly due to his explosiveness and versatility. Standing 5’8” and weighing 220 pounds, Lloyd offers a blend of rushing ability and receiving skills that the Packers struggled to capitalize on in 2025. If he recaptures full health, Lloyd’s presence could push Wilson out of the RB2 role entirely.
Wilson completed the season with 125 carries for 496 yards and three rushing touchdowns, averaging four yards per carry—the same as Jacobs. These stats are respectable considering the Packers’ revolving door of offensive line personnel and Jacobs’ inconsistent performance. Wilson’s glimpses of potential have attracted interest from other teams facing running back shortages around the league.
Wilson’s Outlook Within the Packers and Potential Elsewhere
Green Bay’s patience with Lloyd could indicate a potential backfield duo of Jacobs and Lloyd moving forward, further limiting opportunities for Wilson. Pro Football Focus assigned Wilson a grade of 64, placing him 53rd out of 55 qualified running backs—a ranking that reflects his inconsistency and underutilization throughout the season more than his overall capability.
Though Wilson struggles to solidify his role in Green Bay, his skill set might align well with another NFL team seeking a reliable running back option. His promising moments suggest that he could flourish in a different environment, but for now, his time with the Packers appears to be nearing its end after a difficult conclusion to 2025.
