Paul Bretl | 10/3/2024
GREEN BAY, Wis. — Since arriving in Green Bay last offseason, Packers running back Emanuel Wilson has made the most of his opportunities, and as of late, that’s led to a significant increase in his workload.
“I think he’s done a good job and he continues to get better and when given opportunities I think he’s maximized those,” said Adam Stenavich. “So for him it’s just about being consistent down in and down out and making sure you’re doing all the little things on a day to day, but I’ve got a lot of confidence in E.”
With injuries at the running back position to AJ Dillon and MarShawn Lloyd, the conversation around Wilson’s role on this team quickly shifted from wondering if he makes the team as the third running back to being the No. 2 option behind Josh Jacobs with a fairly hefty workload these last few weeks.
After playing 29 snaps combined between Weeks 1 and 2, Wilson played 26 snaps against Tennessee and then 30 against Minnesota. He also went from having 13 combined carries in those first two games to 22 over the last two.
“He’s done a nice job,” said Matt LaFleur. “He’s done a nice job, it’s been fun to witness just his growth and development. I think he’s really grown up over the course of a year. But he’s responded and I’m super proud of just the effort that he’s put in, in terms of how he prepares on a daily basis.
“I think Ben does a great job with that room and it’s exciting to see, because we’ve always said it from day one. The guy’s got everything in his body to be a really good running back in this league and it’s been cool to witness some of that development.”
Wilson went undrafted in 2023 out of Division-II Fort Valley State. After originally signing with the Denver Broncos following the draft, he was released and caught on with the Packers prior to training camp.
Since last preseason, it was evident the dynamic ability that Wilson possessed with the ball in his hands. In the regular season portion of his career, which has consisted of 55 rush attempts at this time, Wilson has averaged 4.7 yards per rush. This includes forcing nine missed tackles, along with five rushes of at least 10 yards and two of at least 15 yards.
Of course, there is always a certain prerequisite as a ball carrier that a running back has to have in order to see playing time. However, earning snaps goes beyond just that aspect of the game. Particularly in the LaFleur offense, the running back’s ability to impact the passing game, both as a pass-catcher and a blocker is a must.
This was an area for Wilson that was a work in progress for him–as is the case for most young running backs. However, Wilson’s increased role goes beyond there being a need at the running back position due to injuries, he’s earned the trust and confidence of the coaching staff that he can hold when asked to fill that passing game role.
“Really just playing fast,” said Wilson. “Just learning the offense the best way I can. You know, during the offseason I took time to actually study and understand the playbook and understand my role of playing. Really just being fast and being more physical.”
Wilson is currently the fourth highest-graded pass-blocking running back by PFF’s metrics. In the passing game, he’s caught 4-of-5 passes for 37 yards and a touchdown, including a 30-yard screen that he took to the end zone against Tennessee.
“Absolutely,” said LaFleur when asked if he trusted Wilson in the passing game. “He’s done a nice job, he had another great one in this last game where they brought pressure inside and he stepped up and stoned the backer and that’s what we’re talking about is just all the little things that you can do, it’s not just about running 18 or 19 or inside zone or whatever it is it’s every component to playing that position from pass protection to being able to catch a screen and taking it to the house.”
Next up for Wilson and the Packers offense is a matchup with the Los Angeles Rams, who have struggled to stop the run. Through four games, Rams’ opponents are averaging 5.0 yards per attempt, which is tied for the fourth-most in football. The 12 rushes of 10-plus yards ranks 11th this season and the six rushes of at least 20 yards are tied for the third-most.
Last week, against a Bears’ offense that entered Week 4 ranked 31st in yards per rush, the Rams allowed D’Andre Swift to rush for 93 yards at 5.8 yards per attempt. Given the matchup, along with Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs being out, this could be a more run-centric game plan from Green Bay.
Although Jacobs has shown that he can handle a heavy workload, over the course of a long NFL season, being mindful of the lead back’s carries and touches is something that every NFL team is mindful of. This then puts an added emphasis on having a dependable secondary option for offenses to lean on, which Wilson is showing that he can be, regardless of what the role is.
“Definitely,” said Jordan Love about Wilson continuing to have a big role. “He’s stepped up so much. Like you said, starting with preseason last year and just showing what he can do. He’s made the most of the opps he’s got for sure. Now he finds himself getting a lot of carries being right behind Josh, so I think he’s going to keep improving, keep doing what he can do and just building every day and giving the coaches confidence and the players confidence in him, but he’s taking advantage of the opportunities he’s gotten.”