The Green Bay Packers believe wide receiver Amari Rodgers can help the offense get by at running back with only Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon on the roster at the position to start the 2022 season.
In fact, Gutekunst said Rodgers’ recently discovered ability to play snaps at running back played a role in the Packers keeping only two on the initial 53-man roster.
“The emergence of Amari Rodgers doing some stuff back there, I think on gameday can help us as well. We have some flexibility there,” Gutekunst said.
Rodgers, a third-round pick in 2021, caught seven passes for 66 yards but also rushed six times for 36 yards during the preseason. Twice, he was handed the ball on run plays from the backfield. He also handled jet sweeps and other gadget-type plays used in Matt LaFleur’s diverse offense.
Several teams thought Rodgers, who only recently slimmed down to the 200-pound range, could play running back coming out of Clemson last year. He rushed six times for 59 yards and a touchdown during his collegiate career.
If Rodgers can handle some carries within the game plan each week, it would ease the physical burden on both Jones and Dillon at running back and give the Packers an easy way to get the young receiver on the field.
The Packers are also signing Patrick Taylor and Tyler Goodson back to the practice squad on Wednesday, adding two options for practice squad elevations until Kylin Hill (PUP) is able to return to the roster after four weeks.
It’s looking more and more like Rodgers could have a Tyler Ervin-like role for the Packers in 2022. He’s the front runner to return punts and kicks, and his emergence as a runner has provided more opportunities to get on the field in a gadget role.
