Packers former high draft pick is affected by something he can't control, and his time in Green Bay might come to an end

Running back AJ Dillon was mostly expected to be placed on injured reserve, since he missed the last few practices and two preseason games with what the Green Bay Packers had classified as a stinger.

But when the team officially announced its initial 53-man roster , there was a surprise. Dillon was placed on the season-ending injured reserve, without a designation to return. That means the running back is out for the entire 2024 season. It's a neck injury for the offensive player.

AJ Dillon, a 2020 second-round pick by the Packers, was a running back 2 throughout his tenure in Green Bay behind Aaron Jones. This year, he hit free agency and signed back with the Packers on a one-year deal close to the veteran minimum taking advantage of an unusual roster tool .

With Josh Jacobs and third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd on the roster, it was expected that Dillon could be the third RB on the depth chart. Now, his season is over, and he will be a free agent once again next offseason.

At this point, it's impossible to know if Dillon will ever play for the Packers again.

The Packers have kept three running backs on the 53-man roster. Beyond Josh Jacobs and MarShawn Lloyd, Emanuel Wilson is a part of the team.

More injury notes:

The Packers also placed tight end Tyler Davis on the season-ending injured reserve. He came from a torn ACL, but suffered a shoulder injury and will miss his second consecutive season. Davis is perceived by the Packers as a core special teamer.

The only player designated to return for the Packers is defensive tackle Jonathan Ford. He has to miss at least four games, but then is allowed to play in 2024 based on the new NFL rules.

Cornerback LJ Davis and linebacker Ralen Goforth were waived/injured. That means if they clear waivers, both players will revert back to the Packers' injured reserve. Usually in these cases, Green Bay reaches an injury settlement to save money and to allow the players to hit free agency and play again this season for other teams.

Related: Here is the Green Bay Packers' 2024 initial 53-man roster