Packers Question of the day - Aaron Ripkowski, the Green Bay Packers' Starting... Running back?

This is as straight-forward as it sounds. Aaron Ripkowski has been about as good of a runner with the football as he has blocking for his quarterback and in the running game. However, is there a possibility he'd be a formidable starting running back?

He's shown he doesn't shy away from contact, however, you'd have to take into account whether or not those hits would take their toll on the second-year fullback at some point.

But regardless, if the Packers wanted to, would they be able to utilize Ripkowski has the team's primary tailback?

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Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].

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Comments (32)

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 06, 2016 at 09:33 am

I love Ripkowski, but not as a full time starting RB. His physical running style works great as a change of pace.

I think he is such a productive runner and receiver though that he does deserve more opportunities to touch the ball. Since week 5 when he started getting more touches he has averaged 3 touches per game. I think if he can get the ball something like 5-8 times a game he will give us good production.

He has now became our short yardage and goal line RB.

IMO, for the next game I think if they distributed touches between the 3 RB's the best it would be something like this. Montgomery 15 touches, Michael 10, Ripkowski 5.

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Dzehren's picture

December 06, 2016 at 10:31 am

We play Seattle this week. 30 touches probably not realistic. We will see more quick passes out of the backfield that serve as runs. I like your rankings of MICHAEL -Monty- RIp in that order. RIP is goaline, short yardage and special teams like you said. He is a blue collar beast and deserves playing time.

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RCPackerFan's picture

December 06, 2016 at 10:59 am

Its just a rough estimate. But these are just touches. Both rushes and receptions.

I think around 30 touches giver or take for the 3 players is attainable. Against the Texans Montgomery touched the ball 8 times, Michael touched the ball 9 times, and Ripkowski had 4. Thats 21.
Take away Starks 4 touches and give it to those guys and your up to 25 touches for the 3 players in the last game. To give them 3 players 5 more touches isn't unrealistic IMO.

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Horse's picture

December 06, 2016 at 09:43 am

He needs more touches, and I don't mean just handoffs and pitches. Potentially the Rob Gronkowski of GB's backfield.

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Point-Packer's picture

December 06, 2016 at 01:39 pm

I've read a lot of dumb things in the comment section of this website, this included.

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Point-Packer's picture

December 07, 2016 at 12:36 am

I also think Christine Michael is the next Barry Sanders. Geronimo Allison is the next Jerry Rice and Makinton Dorleant is the next Deon. Bright years ahead of us if you count Gronk back there at FB..

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NMPF's picture

December 06, 2016 at 10:09 am

The "Ripper" should be evolved into a Mike Alstott type of RB/FB. Same size/speed.

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dobber's picture

December 06, 2016 at 10:31 am

I'll disagree, here, in that Alstott was an unusual athlete. He was a feature back in a FB body...

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rdent's picture

December 07, 2016 at 10:45 am

He was a freak of nature

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Lphill's picture

December 06, 2016 at 11:59 am

Let Ripkowski punish the Seattle defense in the cold, Rip is hard to tackle in nice weather , but he can be bruising in the cold just like Lacy. I don't think Richard Sherman is gonna take on Ripkowski in the cold.

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Tundraboy's picture

December 07, 2016 at 07:46 am

Would love to see that. Would also love to see him take a screen pass and take on Sherman and anyone else with a full head of steam.

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Christopher Gennaro's picture

December 07, 2016 at 05:09 pm

that for me is the key with rip, either you allow him to just get a head of steam and just bash the front seven. or as you say screen pass and make the secondary make a "business decision"

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zoellner25's picture

December 06, 2016 at 12:34 pm

Other than his explosive, break-away, take it to the house speed, I'd say no.

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marpag1's picture

December 06, 2016 at 02:00 pm

Uh... no.

This question kind of reminds me of all the fans in training camp who thought that Callahan was going to be the next Joe Montana, and that Geronimo Allison would be the next Jerry Rice.

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RocsCave's picture

December 06, 2016 at 02:15 pm

I don't know about these guys being thought of as Montana and Rice but the Packers must see something in Callahan to get him back the moment his was available. I don't believe they thought they would lose him to waivers but with Cleveland not knowing iota about QB's and NO being not far behind, less Brees of coarse, it would appear he makes Hundley more expendable and a favorable keeper.

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rdent's picture

December 06, 2016 at 02:40 pm

Did I read that right? Joe Callahan makes Hundley more expedible? Please share some of that sh*t your smoking!

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RocsCave's picture

December 06, 2016 at 03:19 pm

Sorry I can't share sh%t that one can smoke si n ce I don't smoke anything but one must know Hundley has no desire, imo, to remain to backup for the next 5,6 years behind Rodgers and the praise and apparent desire to have Callahan back should indicate a solid return via a trade of Hundley, no matter how adored or one's expectations of him may be. Keeping him serves little unless an extended injury is wished on Rodgers to see him play. Imo, Callahan, based on his Packer time, appears a solid for McCarthy and Hundley food for kitty of needed draft picks or veteran position player. Besides, Rodgers true replacement is likely in a draft of 4,5 years away if there be one to be had.

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rdent's picture

December 07, 2016 at 10:47 am

Maybe you should try it,you might see the light

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RocsCave's picture

December 07, 2016 at 01:52 pm

So you believe Hundley will opt for permanent backup, or he'll bring more via compensation than he would via an outright trade.

I'll definitely pass on smoking sh#t, especially your brand.

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Tundraboy's picture

December 07, 2016 at 07:47 am

Lol

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rdent's picture

December 06, 2016 at 03:12 pm

Sorry Zac,but like they say in the Monty Python shows,this topic is "Rather Silly"

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marpag1's picture

December 06, 2016 at 03:34 pm

Well, our last shot to use Mike Pennel at running back just went out the window.

Have fun flipping burgers for living, Mike.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

December 07, 2016 at 12:10 am

Perhaps the food industry is a perfect fit for Pennel.

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marpag1's picture

December 07, 2016 at 07:00 am

Nah. It seems Pennel never learned Tony Montana's "Rule number two: Don't get high on your own supply."

Why should it be different if Pennel were in the food industry? He would eat up the profits.

;)

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pooch's picture

December 06, 2016 at 04:01 pm

Question of the day.Is Mike Pennel that fucking stupid????

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pooch's picture

December 06, 2016 at 04:01 pm

Question of the day.Is Mike Pennel that fucking stupid????

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Point-Packer's picture

December 07, 2016 at 01:28 am

Yes.

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pooch's picture

December 06, 2016 at 04:01 pm

Question of the day.Is Mike Pennel that fucking stupid????

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LeagueObsrvr's picture

December 06, 2016 at 05:17 pm

You can say that again! ;-)

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Samson's picture

December 06, 2016 at 10:51 pm

To bad the Pack let Kuhn go. They could have both Rip and Kuhn in the backfield together alternating carries.

Letting Ripkowski carry more than 2-3 times a game is a non-topic. --- This site needs to focus on how to stop another elite QB from carving up the "D" on Sunday.

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DrealynWilliams's picture

December 07, 2016 at 01:22 pm

" This site needs to focus on how to stop another elite QB from carving up the "D" on Sunday."

Too bad Capers and the rest of the staff are no longer taking outside suggestions.

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Since'61's picture

December 07, 2016 at 06:59 pm

RIP can pound away at the defense but I would not use him as a starting or primary back. However, I would consider giving him more rush attempts when we're trying to run some clock later in the game. Let him pound away at tired defenders and then when he gets to the second level he can crush and drag a few DBs with him as he picks up time killing first downs. Of course, I would continue to use him for short yardage and goal line as well. Thanks, Since '61

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