AJ Dillon - NFL News, Rumors, & Updates

Gets third spot in banged-up RB room Dillon secured the third running back spot on Carolina's 53-man roster, Darin Gantt of the Panthers' official site reports.

Impact Dillon had been in a preseason battle with Trevor Etienne (ankle) for the third spot on the depth chart, but Etienne was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return Sunday, ruling Etienne out for the first four weeks of the regular season. Dillon is behind Chuba Hubbard (hamstring) and Jonathon Brooks (soreness) in the backfield pecking order, but Dillon would have a clear path to playing time early in the season if either of the top two running backs missed any game action.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

AJDillonPresserSeptember22026.mp3 AJ Dillon spoke to the media following practice on Wednesday.

SEPTEMBER 2 • PANTHERS.COM

Four takeaways from Wednesday, including AJ Dillon finding his role, and more The veteran running back brings a new dimension to the room, plus years of experience as a guide. Plus, updates on Darren Waller, Jonathon B...

SEPTEMBER 2 • PANTHERS.COM

Busy in exhibition finale Dillon carried the ball six times for 12 yards and caught three of four passes for 20 yards in Friday's 16-13 preseason win over the Texans.

Impact With Chuba Hubbard (hamstring) and Johnathon Brooks getting held out for the final preseason game, Trevor Etienne got the start but was quickly sidelined by an ankle injury. Dillon stepped in and played into the second quarter but didn't make much of an impact. The former Packer is trying to get his career back on track after not playing at all in 2024 due to neck issues and then getting just 12 carries over seven regular-season games in 2025 with the Eagles, but if the injuries to Hubbard and Etienne linger into Week 1, Dillon could have a surprisingly robust role in the Panthers' opener.

AUGUST 29 • ROTOWIRE

Bryce Young and the Panthers find better footing in a 34-17 victory at the Jaguars

Bryce Young had much more success in his second game of the preseason, completing 5 of 6 passes for 49 yards and setting up a touchdown in Carolina’s 34-17 victory against the Jack...

AUGUST 22 • Associated Press

A.J. Dillon drives up the middle for 7-yard TD Carolina Panthers running back A.J. Dillon drives up the middle for 7-yard TD.

AUGUST 22 • PANTHERS.COM

A.J. Dillon sends Panthers a timely reminder with roster pressure building A.J. Dillon didn't need a huge workload to prove his point.

AUGUST 11 • CATCRAVE.COM

Panthers' newest backup quarterback has some history with head coach Dave Canales

The Carolina Panthers’ newest backup quarterback has a history with head coach Dave Canales

AUGUST 10 • Associated Press

Impresses in HOF Game Dillon rushed three times for 18 yards and a touchdown and secured his only target for 18 yards in the Panthers' 33-30 preseason win over the Cardinals on Thursday.

Impact Dillon's first three touches came in consecutive fashion early in the second quarter, as he rattled off his 18-yard reception and then gained four yards on his first run of the night. The veteran back followed it up with a one-yard touchdown run on the next play, and his final rush attempt of the night was a game-long 13-yard run to start the following possession. Dillon was the second back in the game behind Trevor Etienne, and the former will look to continue making a strong impression in the Panthers' second preseason game on the road against the Bills on Saturday, Aug. 15.

AUGUST 7 • ROTOWIRE

AJ Dillon's 1-yard TD cuts Cardinals' lead to 7-6 in 2026 Hall of Fame Game Carolina Panthers running back AJ Dillon closes in on the Arizona Cardinals lead with a one-yard rushing touchdown.

AUGUST 7 • PANTHERS.COM

AJ Dillon's first preseason touch as a Panther gets Carolina close to end-zone access Carolina Panthers running back AJ Dillon barrels towards the end zone on an 18-yard reception.

AUGUST 7 • PANTHERS.COM

With Rico Dowdle gone, Panthers need production from backup RBs | Sporting News Carolina's run-first offense will need backups Jonathon Brooks, Trevor Etienne and AJ Dillon to support the RB1.

JUNE 26 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Charlotteans | Happy Half Hour Ep. 203 w/AJ Dillon Today on the Happy Half Hour, Darin and Kassidy are joined by Panthers running back, AJ Dillon, to talk about his Charlotte to-do list, answ...

MAY 21 • PANTHERS.COM

HHH203WithAJDillon.mp3 Today on the Happy Half Hour, Darin and Kassidy are joined by Panthers running back, AJ Dillon, to talk about his Charlotte to-do list, answ...

MAY 20 • PANTHERS.COM

Panthers may look to add more playmakers for QB Bryce Young in the NFL draft

Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has focused on finding playmakers for quarterback Bryce Young in recent drafts

APRIL 15 • Associated Press

Eagles expert sends warning Panthers fans won't like after A.J. Dillon signing Expectations should be tempered.

MARCH 19 • CATCRAVE.COM

Picked up by Panthers Dillon agreed to terms Wednesday on a one-year contract with Carolina, Glenn Erby of USA Today reports.

Impact Dillon spent last year handling a depth role for the Eagles, logging 12 carries for 60 yards and three catches for 21 yards across seven regular-season appearances. Now with Carolina, Dillon figures to compete for a reserve role and short-yardage work behind incumbent starter Chuba Hubbard, with Jonathan Brooks (knee) and Trevor Etienne already battling for touches. He lacks a clear path to fantasy relevance for the 2026 campaign.

MARCH 18 • ROTOWIRE

Ends season with 60 yards Dillon finished the season with 12 carries for 60 yards and three catches for 21 yards.

Impact Dillon entered the year looking like Saquon Barkley's primary backup, but the Eagles were clearly unimpressed with his work, acquiring Tank Bigsby from the Jaguars after Week 1 to fill that role. Dillon held onto a limited role for a few more weeks, but his only game action after Week 6 came in Week 18, with the Eagles resting their starters.

JANUARY 13 • ROTOWIRE

Healthy scratch Week 17 Dillon (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bills.

Impact Dillon has not appeared in a regular-season game since Week 6 against the Giants, and his last opportunity to do so is Week 18 against the Commanders. Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley will continue to serve as the Eagles' rotational running backs behind Saquon Barkley.

DECEMBER 28, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Eagles' Jordan Davis Is Stepping Up As A Locker-Room Leader PHILADELPHIA - The Positivity Bunny had a short stint on Philadelphia but the vibes and smiles provided by A.J. Dillon's offseason holiday p...

DECEMBER 11, 2025 • SI.COM

Inactive versus Chicago Dillon (coach's decision) is inactive for Friday's game against the Bears.

Impact Dillon has been passed on the depth chart by both Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley behind Saquon Barkley. In six appearances this season, Dillon has rushed 12 times for 60 scoreless yards, adding two catches for 18 yards on two targets.

NOVEMBER 28, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Healthy scratch Sunday Dillon (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Cowboys.

Impact The running back last suited up in Week 6 against the Giants. Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley remain ahead of him on the depth chart.

NOVEMBER 23, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play Week 10 Dillon (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Packers.

Impact Dillon will be a healthy scratch for a third consecutive game while the Eagles go with three active running backs in Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby and Will Shipley. Dillon's next opportunity to play is Week 11 against the Lions on Sunday.

NOVEMBER 11, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Eagles activate linebacker Nolan Smith from injured reserve before MNF game with Packers

Linebacker Nolan Smith is joining the list of additions to the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense for their Monday night game with the Green Bay Packers

NOVEMBER 10, 2025 • Associated Press

Healthy scratch Week 7 Dillon (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Vikings.

Impact Dillon has worked in a rotational role out of the backfield through the first six games of the regular season, but he will observe Sunday's road game on the sidelines in street clothes. The Eagles will go with a three-man backfield of Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley and Tank Bigsby. Dillon's next opportunity to suit up is Week 8 against the Giants on Sunday, Oct. 26.

OCTOBER 19, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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Bryce Young and the Panthers find better footing in a 34-17 victory at the Jaguars

Panthers' newest backup quarterback has some history with head coach Dave Canales

Panthers may look to add more playmakers for QB Bryce Young in the NFL draft

Eagles activate linebacker Nolan Smith from injured reserve before MNF game with Packers