NFL Rumors: AJ Dillon 'Fully Cleared' by Doctors for 2025 Return; Didn't Play in 2024

Teams looking for running backs in free agency will reportedly have another option.

Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz reported Tuesday that free agent running back AJ Dillon was fully cleared to return for the 2025 campaign. Dillon, who has been with the Green Bay Packers his entire career, missed the 2024 season because of a neck injury.

Green Bay placed him on injured reserve with no return designation before the 2024 season even started due to a neck stinger that also forced him to miss time in 2023.

He took to social media after the news and posted the following message: "Thank you all for the overwhelming support during this tough time. This injury is a tough blow, but I'm staying positive and surrounded by an incredible support system. Right now, my focus is on getting healthy, and I'm rooting for my brothers to take care of business."

The Packers made the playoffs while largely relying on Josh Jacobs and Emanuel Wilson at running back.

Dillon entered the league as a second-round pick of the 2020 NFL draft and became a significant part of the NFC North team's offense in his second season. He posted 803 rushing yards, 313 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 2021 before following that up with 976 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns in 2022.

While he found the end zone just twice in 2023, he still managed 836 yards from scrimmage.

At his best, Dillon is a powerful back who can run through arm tackles and pick up plenty of yards after contact. That makes him an ideal candidate to convert short-yardage situations and score around the goal line, which could be intriguing to teams that need backfield depth.

The Boston College product is also just 26 years old and should be relatively fresh after sitting out the 2024 campaign.

He will likely generate some interest around the league now that he has been medically cleared.