A pair of former HBCU running backs put forth standout performances as the Green Bay Packers opened its preseason run with a 23-10 win over the Cleveland Browns.
Former Johnson C. Smith and Fort Valley State back Emanuel Wilson led the team with a game-high 67 rushing yards on 13 attempts and a touchdown. He also returned the Packers’ only kickoff for 28 yards.
Last year, the 2023 SIAC Player of the Year made the Packers roster in his rookie season off a strong Preseason in which he led all teams in rushing.
Wilson played nine games in his rookie campaign, rushing for 121 total yards on 26 attempts. This includes 36 rushing yards on 12 attempts in the Packers’ two postseason games.
A sneaky move by @1kEmanuelWilson for the first down and then some 💨
📱: Stream #GBvsCLE on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/Ull9c03s2c
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024
Meanwhile, former Alcorn State running back Jarveon Howard saw his first NFL action, rushing for 44 yards on eight attempts.
Howard played his last two collegiate seasons at Alcorn State after transferring to the team from Syracuse.
He recorded 2,048 rushing yards and scored 19 touchdowns in 22 games being named to the All-SWAC First Team each year.
Jarveon Howard off to a good start, 1st career game (8 carries 44 yards 5.5 AVG) #passionhasnooffseason ⏳⏳ pic.twitter.com/xcMDNjj4yC
— 🏆championrow🏆 (@championrow) August 10, 2024
Both Howard and Wilson will fight for a spot on the Green Bay Packers on a depth chart that also features two-time Pro Bowler Josh Jacobs.