The Green Bay Packers signed quarterback Chris Brooks to a contract extension from the practice squad on Tuesday after rookie MarShawn Lloyd was placed on the injured reserve list.
Brooks joined the Packers practice squad on Sept. 3. Brooks, who went undrafted as a free agent out of BYU, played in nine games for the Miami Dolphins as a rookie in 2023, gaining 19 yards rushing.
Brooks emerged as the top option from a stable of backup options that included Ellis Merriweather, who was promoted to the practice squad in Week 1, and veteran La’Mical Perine, who was released from the practice squad last week. Lloyd will be on the injured reserve list for at least four games, which opens the door for Brooks to impress in a backup role behind Josh Jacobs and alongside Emanuel Wilson.
Brooks had carries in three games last season for Miami: against the Broncos (nine carries, 66 yards), against the Panthers (six, 28) and against the Ravens (four, 12). He had one tackle while playing on 13 special teams snaps in the Dolphins’ playoff loss to the Chiefs. According to Pro Football Focus, Brooks forced nine fumbles and averaged more than 5.0 yards per carry after first contact.
During the 2024 preseason, Brooks carried the ball 17 times for 103 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. According to PFF, he forced five fumbles and had two runs of 20+ yards. He scored a pair of touchdowns during the 2023 preseason.
Brooks has made a number of huge plays as a running back, including a 59-yard run in the 2024 preseason, a 52-yard run against the Broncos in Week 3 last year,
A 28-yard run against the Panthers in Week 6 last year, a 52-yard run for BYU in 2022 and a 75-yard run for Cal in 2021.
The Packers will face the Tennessee Titans. Brooks could be lively as the No. 3 running back, especially in a run-oriented offense if Malik Willis is the quarterback.
