Kaleb Johnson Switched Shoulder Pads to Fix Fumbling
The Green Bay Packers running back identified his new equipment as the source of his recent ball-security struggles.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Football
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Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson has returned to his old shoulder pads after committing two fumbles over the last three weeks. Johnson concluded that extra padding in his new gear created a gap that prevented him from securing the football against his body.
Why it matters
The team currently ranks 31st in the NFL in yards per carry and last in rushing yards per game. Addressing Johnson's fumbling issues is critical for an offense struggling to find efficiency on the ground.
Kaleb Johnson has recorded 80 rushing yards this season, trailing teammate MarShawn Lloyd who has 81 yards on 2.7 yards per carry. The Packers currently average 3.2 yards per carry and 58 rushing yards per game.
The players
Kaleb Johnson
He is a running back for the Green Bay Packers who joined the team via trade in August 2026.
MarShawn Lloyd
He is a running back for the Green Bay Packers who has recorded 81 rushing yards this season.
The details
Johnson previously wore Vicis shoulder pads featuring extra underarm padding during the start of the season. He discarded the equipment on October 8 in an effort to tighten his grip on the ball during carries.
Timeline
Johnson rushed 240 times during his college career in 2024.
Johnson joined the Green Bay Packers via trade in August 2026.
Johnson committed a fumble during Week 2 of the 2026 season against the New York Jets.
Johnson officially reverted to his old shoulder pads on October 8, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This adjustment comes as the Packers struggle to establish a consistent ground attack while ranking near the bottom of the league in nearly every rushing category. Securing the football remains a priority as the team attempts to improve its 3.2 yards per carry average to remain competitive.
Johnson's return to his previous pads aims to stabilize his ball security after he fumbled twice in his first few weeks of play. This change is crucial for his fantasy outlook and his standing in the team's backfield rotation alongside MarShawn Lloyd.
The takeaway
Even small adjustments to equipment can have massive implications for a player's performance and ball security. Improving consistency in the backfield is essential for the Packers to improve their current league-low rushing averages.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit the Green Bay Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Marshfield News-Herald.
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Do you believe equipment changes significantly affect a professional athlete's ability to hold onto the ball?
