Packers Showing Interest in Potential New Running Back: Report

Green Bay is reportedly visiting with Indiana RB Kaelon Black ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:34am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Packers running play, with sharp, overlapping shapes in vibrant green, gold, and navy blue colors representing the movement and action of the play.The Packers' interest in Indiana RB Kaelon Black reflects their need to add depth and competition at the position behind lead back Josh Jacobs.Green Bay Today

The Green Bay Packers are reportedly showing interest in Indiana Hoosiers running back Kaelon Black as a potential new backfield option ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Black is coming off a standout college career and could provide depth behind lead back Josh Jacobs.

Why it matters

The Packers have a need at running back after losing Emanuel Wilson in free agency, and Black could be an ideal fit to complement Jacobs and provide a physical, downhill running presence in the offense.

The details

Black produced big numbers at Indiana in 2025, rushing for 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns on 186 carries. Over his six-year college career, he totaled 2,596 yards and 17 touchdowns on 495 carries, also catching 55 passes for 528 yards and six scores. NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein has described Black as a 'get what is blocked' runner with good size and above-average aggression as a finisher, though he lacks ideal burst and utilizes too many stutter-steps in processing the run lane.

  • Black is fresh off a National Championship win with Indiana.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is coming up quickly.

The players

Josh Jacobs

The Packers' clear-cut starting running back.

Chris Brooks

A running back the Packers re-signed this offseason, but he may not be the ideal candidate to back up Jacobs.

Kaelon Black

The Indiana Hoosiers running back the Packers are reportedly showing interest in as a potential new backfield option.

Roman Hemby

Black's teammate at Indiana who is also expected to be selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Get what is blocked' runner with good size and above-average aggression as a finisher. Black split carries in Indiana's downhill attack and generally kept the run on its designed track. He lacks ideal burst and utilizes too many stutter-steps in processing the run lane while headed to the hole.”

— Lance Zierlein, NFL.com analyst

“Black is a grinder with below-average third-down value, but he could create competition for a RB3/4 role in camp.”

— Lance Zierlein, NFL.com analyst

What’s next

Only time will tell what the Packers choose to do at the running back position. For now, Black is a name worth keeping an eye on in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Packers' interest in Kaelon Black highlights their need to add depth at running back behind Josh Jacobs. Black's physical, downhill running style could make him an ideal complement to Jacobs and provide competition for a reserve role in Green Bay's backfield.