The Green Bay Packers have promoted running back Chris Brooks to their active 53-man roster after placing rookie running back MarShawn Lloyd on injured reserve on Tuesday. Lloyd’s injury creates an opportunity for Brooks to step into a backup role, with Lloyd expected to miss at least four games.
Brooks, an undrafted free agent out of BYU, joined the Packers’ practice squad on September 3 after spending his rookie season with the Miami Dolphins in 2023. During his stint with the Dolphins, Brooks played in nine games, where he rushed 19 times for 106 yards. Now, with Lloyd sidelined, Brooks becomes the primary backup behind starting running back Josh Jacobs and second-year player Emanuel Wilson.
Brooks stood out from other reserve options on the Packers’ practice squad. Among those reserves was Ellis Merriweather, who was elevated to the gameday roster for Week 1, and veteran La’Mical Perine, who was released from the practice squad last week. Brooks’ promotion signals the Packers’ confidence in his abilities as they aim to shore up their backfield depth for the next stretch of games.
Brooks showed flashes of potential during his time with the Dolphins. He saw carries in three games, including a standout performance against the Denver Broncos where he rushed nine times for 66 yards. He also contributed in games against the Carolina Panthers (six carries for 28 yards) and the Baltimore Ravens (four carries for 12 yards). In the Dolphins’ playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Brooks played 13 special teams snaps and recorded one tackle. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Brooks was effective at making defenders miss, forcing nine missed tackles and averaging over 5.0 yards per carry after first contact.
His strong performance continued into the 2024 preseason. Brooks rushed 17 times for 103 yards, averaging an impressive 6.1 yards per carry. PFF noted that he forced five missed tackles and recorded two runs of more than 20 yards. Brooks also scored two touchdowns during the 2023 preseason, demonstrating his ability to be a playmaker in the backfield.
Throughout his career, Brooks has made numerous big plays. In the 2024 preseason, he broke off a 59-yard run, and during the 2023 regular season, he had a 52-yard run against the Broncos and a 28-yard run against the Panthers. His collegiate career was marked by similar explosiveness, with a 52-yard run for BYU in 2022 and a 75-yard run for the University of California in 2021. Brooks’ knack for long runs makes him a valuable asset in the Packers’ backfield rotation.
As the Packers prepare for their next game against the Tennessee Titans, Brooks could see playing time as the team’s No. 3 running back, particularly if the game plan leans on a run-heavy approach. This would be especially likely if Titans backup quarterback Malik Willis starts, given his rushing abilities, which could lead both teams to focus on their ground attacks.
With MarShawn Lloyd on the injured reserve list, Brooks has a prime opportunity to make an impact in the Packers’ offense. While his role as a backup behind Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson may limit his touches initially, his playmaking potential gives him a chance to carve out a more significant role if he performs well over the coming weeks. His ability to break long runs, force missed tackles, and contribute on special teams makes him a versatile option for the Packers as they navigate this stretch of the season.
In summary, Chris Brooks’ promotion to the active roster marks a key moment in his career as he fills in for the injured Lloyd. His proven ability to generate explosive plays and contribute in multiple areas gives the Packers much-needed depth in their running back rotation. All eyes will be on Brooks as he aims to make the most of this opportunity and prove himself as a reliable option in Green Bay’s offense.