The Green Bay Packers have less than a week to settle their initial 53-man roster, and an unexpected contender is making the running back decision trickier.
Pierre Strong Jr. delivered one of Green Bay’s biggest plays in Friday’s 33-13 preseason win over the Denver Broncos, breaking a 68-yard kickoff return in the first half. He also carried eight times for 37 yards, including consecutive gains of 12 and 7.
The performance has ESPN’s Rob Demovsky wondering whether the Packers will have to find room for four running backs.
There’s a key variable involved, too, which is the unresolved legal situation surrounding Josh Jacobs.
“If Jacobs gets formally charged and/or suspended before the opener, they will almost certainly keep Strong,” Demovsky wrote in ESPN’s examination of Green Bay’s roster.
No formal criminal charges or NFL suspension have been announced against Jacobs. His attorneys have denied the allegations stemming from his May arrest.
Even if Jacobs is available, Strong’s work on special teams may make him difficult to leave off the roster before the Aug. 30 cutdown deadline.
Strong Jr. Gives Packers Another Reason to Keep Him
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 16: Pierre Strong Jr. #20 of the Cleveland Browns runs the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first half of the NFL Preseason 2025 game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 16, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Cleveland Browns defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 22-13. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Green Bay’s running back hierarchy appeared relatively straightforward entering the final stretch of the preseason.
Jacobs sits atop the group. MarShawn Lloyd has worked his way back from two injury-plagued seasons and is firmly in the team’s plans, while Chris Brooks is valuable in pass protection and on third downs.
That potentially leaves Strong battling for a fourth spot at a position where teams can choose to go lighter.
His return ability may change the situation.
Demovsky called Strong perhaps Green Bay’s “best option as a kickoff returner” after his 68-yard burst in Denver. The Packers’ unofficial depth chart listed Strong among the club’s kickoff returners entering the preseason, making his way onto the roster past his offensive snaps.
His background includes kick return duty.
The Packers’ official biography notes that Strong entered 2026 with 24 career kickoff returns for 570 yards. The former fourth-round pick originally arrived in the NFL with the New England Patriots before spending time with Cleveland and then joining Green Bay’s practice squad in September 2025.
When a fan asked Packers.com what he needed to do to make the 53-man roster before the opener, team writer Wes Hodkiewicz pointed toward the importance of his preseason opportunities.
“When his number is called in Pittsburgh, he’s gotta run like his career depends on it,” Hodkiewicz wrote in an Aug. 13 Packers.com mailbag.
Jacobs Uncertainty Adds More to Roster Verdict
GettyASHWAUBENON, WISCONSIN – JULY 31: Josh Jacobs #8 of the Green Bay Packers looks on during the Green Bay Packers training camp at Ray Nitschke Field on July 31, 2026 in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Packers also have to prepare for the possibility that their backfield concept changes after final cuts.
Police arrested Jacobs on May 26 following a domestic disturbance complaint and released him from custody the following day while prosecutors continued their investigation.
The Brown County District Attorney’s Office said at the time that it wasn’t prepared to make a formal charging decision and requested additional investigation, per NFL.com.
Jacobs’ attorneys said he denied the allegations and expressed confidence that charges won’t happen.
As of Aug. 21, authorities haven’t announced charges and the same goes for NFL discipline.
Jacobs has continued football activities during the process.
After missing time this month with a groin injury, head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that Jacobs returned to practice Aug. 18. Green Bay held him out against Denver.
ESPN’s projection doesn’t mean the Packers are expecting Jacobs to miss the opener.
But there’s trepidation around the issue, enough of it to think about a spot for Strong given his noteworthy play.
With final cuts approaching, Green Bay may now have to decide whether four running backs are a luxury or necessary insurance.
Packers’ Josh Jacobs Uncertainty Opens Door for Surprise Roster Move