Carolina Panthers running back AJ Dillon has revealed he will wear jersey number 28 with the team, the same number he wore in Green Bay and a nod to Panthers legend Jonathan Stewart. Dillon joins a backfield that already features Chuba Hubbard as the clear RB1 and the promising Jonathon Brooks as a change-of-pace option, with the power RB role Dillon is expected to fill delivering short-yardage versatility similar to Mike Tolbert. The move comes after the Panthers signed Dillon to a one-year deal to replace Rico Dowdle, who departed for the Steelers. Dillon has embraced life in Charlotte and aims to become a fan favorite again, leveraging his physical running style to bolster Carolina’s rushing attack.
Key details:
– Dillon will don #28, a number closely associated with Panthers history and former stars, while fitting into the team’s ground game dynamics.
– The Panthers intend to employ a power-back approach in short-yardage and goal-line situations, improving behind Hubbard and Brooks.
– Coach Dave Canales reportedly steers Bryce Young away from QB sneaks in short-yardage, increasing the importance of a reliable back like Dillon in those situations.
