Chris Brooks

NFL player. Position: RB. Team: GB.

Quick Facts

• Position: RB
• Team: GB (Green Bay Packers)

2026 Outlook

Re-signed by Green Bay on a two-year deal before free agency. Expected to serve as the primary backup to Josh Jacobs after Emanuel Wilson's departure to Seattle. The Packers view Brooks as a consistent depth piece in the RB rotation, competing with MarShawn Lloyd (if healthy) for the RB2 role. (per Can Green Bay's Forgotten RBs Make An Impact?)

Week 1 blocking role elevated (Sept 10): Brooks was listed as the primary backup on Green Bay's depth chart and expected to see significant opportunity in Week 1 due to offensive line concerns. With Zach Bako-Bewele and Aaron Banks questionable for the season opener against Minnesota, and given Brian Flores' defenses' tendency to disguise blitzes, Brooks' exceptional blocking skills—picking up stunts and blitzers, protecting the quarterback—made him valuable beyond typical RB contributions. He's steady and reliable but not a dynamic runner or receiver; his value lies in pass protection and pass-catching in short-yardage and goal-line situations alongside Kaleb Johnson. Running backs are also expected to have a bigger role as receivers if the Packers rely more on quick releases to counteract Minnesota's blitzes. (per Look for the Packers to Go with a Running Back by Committee Approach Without Josh Jacobs).

Week 1 result (Sept 13, 2026 — Packers 22, Vikings 39): Brooks and MarShawn Lloyd split backfield duties in the season opener with Josh Jacobs on the Commissioner's Exempt List. The Packers' rushing attack was ineffective, managing only 66 rushing yards combined in their loss to Minnesota. The Packers trailed 22-10 at halftime but collapsed in the second half, surrendering 29 unanswered points, which limited the opportunity to establish a ground game. Game script forced the Packers to rely on Jordan Love's passing attack (387 yards, 2 TDs). Brooks' Week 1 opportunity did not yield significant fantasy production (per NFL Insider Floats Potential Bad News Regarding Packers' Josh Jacobs).

Role / Depth Chart

Expected primary backup to Josh Jacobs at RB2, competing with MarShawn Lloyd (if healthy) for depth reps. Versatile contributor with pass-catching and blocking skills that make him valuable in the Packers' scheme despite backup status.

Injury Status

Placed on non-football injury (NFI) list at start of training camp (2026-07-27). Failed his physical before the first practice on July 29. Injury occurred outside team activities. Returned to active roster but suffered ankle injury in Week 4 (Oct 2026). Did not practice all week heading into Week 5. Packers signed Pierre Strong to the 53-man roster, indicating Brooks likely out. (per Green Bay Packers injury report for Week 5 showdown with the Chicago Bears - Yahoo Sports)

September 2 Sleeper Case

Sports Illustrated argues Brooks is being dramatically undervalued compared to MarShawn Lloyd while Josh Jacobs is out. Fantasy owners assume Lloyd is the locked-in bell-cow RB1, but the article points out Lloyd has never been good: averaging just 2.5 yards per carry in limited time and 2.8 YPC in preseason, with constant injury issues limiting him to less than one full game in his two-year career. Meanwhile, Brooks is a proven, durable back who has averaged 4.8 yards per carry for his career and can be gotten at the end of drafts. Even Kaleb Johnson is being drafted ahead of Brooks, creating significant value opportunity (per 5 Breakout Fantasy Football Stars That No One Is Talking About)

Recent News

• 2026-09-21 — Packers Discussion: Which RB should get carries for Green Bay? (Packers Discussion: Which RB should get carries for Green Bay?)
• 2026-09-04 — Could Chris Brooks be a Star Running Back for the Packers in 2026? (Could Chris Brooks be a Star Running Back for the Packers in 2026?)
• 2026-09-02 — 5 Breakout Fantasy Football Stars That No One Is Talking About: Chris Brooks Is A... (5 Breakout Fantasy Football Stars That No One Is Talking About: Chris Brooks Is A...)
• 2026-07-27 — Packers RB Chris Brooks: Starts training camp on non-football injury list (Packers RB Chris Brooks: Starts training camp on non-football injury list)
• 2026-07-23 — Fantasy Football: Jaguars, Seahawks backfield battles, Jonathon Brooks' role among... (Fantasy Football: Jaguars, Seahawks backfield battles, Jonathon Brooks' role among...)
• 2026-06-16 — Packers RB Chris Brooks: Offense Might Depend on No. 23 Player in 2026 (Packers RB Chris Brooks: Offense Might Depend on No. 23 Player in 2026)
• 2026-05-30 — NFL Backfield Rankings: Grading Every Team's Running Backs [2026] (NFL Backfield Rankings: Grading Every Team's Running Backs [2026])
• 2026-05-27 — Top Free Agent Landing Spots For RB Najee Harris (Top Free Agent Landing Spots For RB Najee Harris)
• 2026-06-02 — 2026 Fantasy Football RB Rankings June Update: Justin Boone's top running backs (2026 Fantasy Football RB Rankings June Update: Justin Boone's top running backs)
• 2026-05-28 — Six potential destinations for Alvin Kamara if moved by the Saints (Six potential destinations for Alvin Kamara if moved by the Saints)

Open Questions

(scoped to this player — pulled from Fantasy Football Open Questions)