Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said the team is “cautious” and still gathering information after running back AJ Dillon suffered another stinger injury, Dillon’s second in the past nine months.
“I think anytime you have a recurring injury, absolutely, there’s concern,” LaFleur said Wednesday. “I think we’re being cautious with him and just making sure we get all the information before we let him get back on the field.”
Dillon suffered the injury against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 17 of last season and missed the team’s final three games, including both playoff games.
According to Mayo Clinica stinger is a “brachial plexus injury” and occurs when a group of nerves is stretched or damaged. The injury can cause numbness, weakness, or pain in the arm and hand. Stingers are common in football.
Of course, weakness in the arm or hand can be a devastating injury for a running back. And it’s possible that repeated nerve injuries can cause a long-term problem.
It is not known when Dillon was last injured, but he was unable to participate in Sunday’s preseason game against the Denver Broncos, in which he lost, and missed Tuesday’s practice in Green Bay.
The Packers will have a closed practice Wednesday, a joint practice Thursday and their preseason finale Saturday. Dillon’s status for the rest of the week is unknown, but a cautious approach suggests he won’t be available.
Last season, Dillon rushed 178 times for 613 yards and two touchdowns and caught 22 passes for 223 yards in 15 games. He returns on a one-year contract in 2024.
This summer, Dillon competed with rookie MarShawn Lloyd and 2023 preseason champion Emanuel Wilson for the spot behind starter Josh Jacobs.
