At least until Kylin Hill returns, that third running back spot on this Green Bay Packers roster is up for grabs, and for the most part, has remained wide open.
While what these running backs do on offense certainly matters, as Matt LaFleur told reporters following the Packers’ preseason matchup with the New Orleans Saints, special teams play will be the determining factor.
As of now, this is a two running back race for that third role between Patrick Taylor and undrafted rookie Tyler Goodson.
Goodson took the starting running back reps last week against the 49ers, while Taylor had those responsibilities versus the Saints.
Offensively, Goodson has flashed more, showcasing excellent burst with the ball in his hands while also making plays as a pass-catcher, something he often did at Iowa.
Taylor is more of a physical runner and can affect the passing game as well. He may also have the advantage when it comes to pass protection and picking up blitzes – something we saw him do well in this second preseason game.
Against the 49ers, both backs would average just over 3.0 yards per rush, but it was Goodson who would find more success this past Friday night, averaging 4.2 yards per carry to Taylor’s 3.4, including a 15-yard run –although it was Goodson who had some much bigger running lanes to work with.
Again, this is all important, but with Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon handling the workload at the position, the third running back on this roster must be able to contribute on special teams.
“A lot of it with our third running back is going to come down to how they do on special teams,” said LaFleur via The Athletic. “That is an area where the third back has to be able to contribute. That’s really where the battle lies with all these guys right now.”
In the preseason opener, Goodson was on the field for six special teams snaps to Taylor’s three, which can be telling. Goodson also played on four different phases of the special teams unit. As they say, the more you can do.
But in the most recent preseason game, it was Taylor who was making plays on special teams, including an open field tackle.
While it’s not the be-all-end-all, oftentimes, experience can play an important role on special teams, which may give Taylor the leg-up in this competition. Taylor is entering his third NFL season and has 27 career special teams snaps per PFF.
Based on playing time and performance over the last week, it would appear that Goodson emerged as the front-runner for the Packers’ third running back role, and that still very well may be the case.
However, while that is certainly important, like many other back-end of the roster openings, what Goodson and Taylor can do on special teams will be the deciding factor.
