Green Bay Packers: Ty Montgomery the forgotten man at receiver

After beginning the 2017 season as the starting running back, Ty Montgomery appears to be in no-man’s land with Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams now in the fold. Could he see more time as a receiver in 2018 for the Green Bay Packers?

Ty Montgomery enters 2018 with more question marks than answers. Of course, Montgomery started five games at running back last season, racking up nearly 300 yards and three touchdowns for the Green Bay Packers. But after relinquishing his starting role due to injury, Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams pounced on the opportunity.

Multiple injuries landed Montgomery on injured reserve, ending his season with a meager 3.8 yards per carry in eight games played.

Jones and Williams figure to be an effective one-two punch this coming season after an impressive showing in 2017. The dynamic duo combined for 1,288 total yards and 10 touchdowns.

Their performance has caused many to write off Montgomery as a legitimate option at running back. After all, he gained nearly as many yards receiving (173) as he did rushing (273) – on only 23 receptions, compared to 77 rushing attempts, respectively.

GREEN BAY, WI – DECEMBER 11: Ty Montgomery #88 of the Green Bay Packers is pursued by Steven Terrell #23 of the Seattle Seahawks during the first half of a game at Lambeau Field on December 11, 2016 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

But Montgomery figures to be a huge component on offense this season. During OTAs, Mike McCarthy described him as ‘multi-positional’, saying, “We have to take advantage of Ty’s skills.”

Montgomery himself stated, “Mismatches and big plays, that’s what I want to bring to this offense.” He also spoke earlier this offseason about getting stronger. “I know that I can be a really good football player. I just need to stay healthy.”

Staying healthy has always been the biggest knock against him. But maybe the extra weight could provide a full 16 games of health for the versatile playmaker.

Could this mean he’ll see more time at running back?

It’s likely, but in case you hadn’t heard, Randall Cobb was spotted in a walking boot earlier this week. Michael Cohen of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel approached him at an airport. Cobb described the boot as a right ankle injury, and that it would only be ‘temporary’.

ARLINGTON, TX – JANUARY 15: Ty Montgomery #88 of the Green Bay Packers dives into the end zone to score a touchdown during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at AT&T Stadium on January 15, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

However, Cobb likely won’t be ready for training camp, which could push Montgomery into a larger role in the offense during that time. The extra reps during camp could prove vital for a player going into the last year of his rookie contract.

Montgomery has everything to prove, and perhaps a (near) permanent switch to receiver could unlock his full potential. We’ve seen McCarthy employ packages that include motions for Cobb to move into the backfield. However, repeated running plays involving No. 18 rarely seem to work.

A bigger body like Montgomery only makes sense to use in such a fashion. After all, if he really is multi-positional, what better way to test it than to start him in the slot out of the huddle, and then motion him into the backfield to expose nickel and dime defenses.

So which is the right position for Montgomery: receiver or running back? The answer is both.

Packers fans have been wondering who the third starting receiver may be at season’s start – to which many forget: Montgomery is a receiver. He’s also a running back. If McCarthy utilizes him effectively, Montgomery may be the x-factor on offense by season’s end.

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