Matt LaFleur's plans for Packers AJ Dillon scrapped after neck injury

GREEN BAY — Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said he had plans to use running back AJ Dillon differently this year, but he had to abandon those plans after Dillon was placed on the injured list, ending his season.

Dillon suffered a stab wound to his neck during a practice with the Denver Broncos on August 16, and the Packers did not want to send Dillon back to the field after further tests.

General manager Brian Gutekunst expressed hope that Dillon would receive good news as test results are pending, but said the team was not willing to put Dillon at risk, especially given that this was his second serious nerve injury in less than a year.

If Dillon is eligible to play, he can negotiate compensation for his injury with the Packers and become a free agent. He could return to the Packers later in the year if a deal is reached, but it doesn't look like the Packers will take any chances on him this season.