Green Bay Packers: 5 burning questions for 2018

3. Who will be the Packers’ starting running back? 

In the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, the Packers selected wide receiver Ty Montgomery. Three years later, the former wideout will now be involved in a training camp battle at the running back position.

Montgomery made the jump to running back in 2016 when the Packers were desperate. Starting back Eddie Lacy suffered an ankle injury in October and was placed on injured reserve. Prior to going down, veteran back-up James Starks was already on the sideline because of a knee injury.

The former Stanford product got his first crack at the position week six against the Chicago Bears. He carried the ball nine times for 60 yards, including a 30-yard rush in the third quarter. He finished the season with 457 yards and three scores, while averaging 5.9 yards per carry.

During the 2017 offseason, Green Bay released Lacy and Stark. They used the NFL Draft to restock the position and added Jamaal Williams, Aaron Jones and Devante Mays.

Last season, Montgomery was the starting back until he was on and off the field with injuries. His season eventually ended on injured reserved because of his wrist. Jones got the first chance to prove his worth and Williams followed up later once Jones got injured.

The two rookie backs combined for 234 carries, 1,004 yards and eight touchdowns. Both are very different runners. Williams is more of a powerful runner, whereas Jones is quicker and more elusive.

Both running backs should have the edge over Montgomery this offseason, especially with the departure of veteran wide receiver Jordy Nelson. There is a chance Montgomery goes back to his natural position, but don’t be surprised if Mike McCarthy rides the hot hand.