The Green Bay Packers are not searching for a starting running back. As long as Josh Jacobs is around, the backfield runs through him. The concern is everything behind him.

Injuries derailed MarShawn Lloyd’s early career, making him one of the Packers’ biggest training camp wild cards. Chris Brooks, Pierre Strong Jr., Damien Martinez and Jaden Nixon offer upside, but little proven NFL production.

That does not mean Brian Gutekunst needs to rush into a move. It does mean he should be watching the veteran market closely.

Every summer, experienced running backs become available once injuries hit, depth charts take shape and teams begin trimming their rosters. The Packers may like their current group, but that could change if Lloyd struggles to stay healthy or nobody emerges.

If Green Bay decides it needs another dependable option behind Jacobs, these three veterans would make plenty of sense.

Khalil Herbert Is the Most Natural Packers Fit

If there is one veteran running back on the market who feels like a natural fit in Green Bay, it is Khalil Herbert.

Herbert has never been a star, but he has consistently been productive when given opportunities. His vision, decisiveness and downhill running style make him a strong fit for Matt LaFleur’s zone-based offense.

Just as important, Herbert would not arrive expecting to take over the backfield. His role would be clear: provide Green Bay with proven insurance behind Josh Jacobs and compete with MarShawn Lloyd and Chris Brooks for snaps.

The Packers do not need another featured runner. They need a back they can trust to step in if Jacobs misses time without forcing the offense to change dramatically.

Herbert would give the Pack exactly that.

Nick Chubb Could Be Worth the Gamble

Nick Chubb is past his All-Pro peak but would instantly become Green Bay’s most accomplished backup.

The Packers would not be signing Chubb to handle 20 carries per game or recapture his prime. They would be asking him to give Josh Jacobs a breather, handle a limited workload and provide steady production if injuries forced him into a larger role.

Could he still give Green Bay eight to 12 quality carries when needed while bringing experience and leadership to a young running back room? Absolutely.

The risk is obvious. Chubb has taken plenty of punishment and dealt with serious injuries, making him more of a calculated short-term gamble than a dependable long-term answer.

Still, if his market remains quiet into August and the price drops, he would become the kind of low-risk veteran addition Brian Gutekunst should at least consider.

Kareem Hunt Would Give the Packers a Reliable Veteran

If Green Bay wants a veteran who understands his role and knows how to contribute to a winning team, Kareem Hunt deserves consideration.

Hunt has lost some explosiveness but remains a physical, reliable runner who blocks well and contributes as a receiver.

Matt LaFleur values versatile backups who can handle multiple roles without reshaping the game plan.

Hunt would not be brought in to carry the offense. He would be there to spell Josh Jacobs, handle short-yardage work and give Green Bay a proven option if injuries force him into a larger role.

Not every depth signing needs to be exciting. Sometimes a team simply needs a veteran it can trust, and Hunt fits that description.

The smartest move at the moment may be to hold off and wait until Training Camp is well underway. 

Patience Makes Sense, Until It Doesn’t

The Packers must evaluate Lloyd’s health and determine whether another young back can earn a meaningful training camp role. If someone separates from the group, there is no reason to spend money on a veteran simply for the sake of making a move.

But patience should not turn into stubbornness.

If injuries strike or nobody emerges behind Josh Jacobs, Brian Gutekunst should explore the veteran market.

Teams with championship expectations cannot afford to wait until a questionable position becomes an obvious problem. 

Adding a proven back before Week 1 may not generate headlines, but it could become one of those quiet moves that matter when the season inevitably tests Green Bay’s depth.