Green Bay Packers Make Surprising Roster Adjustment at Running Back Position Ahead of Cowboys Game Following Injury

The Green Bay Packers made a surprising move on Friday, opting to release a veteran running back following concerns about AJ Dillon’s availability for the upcoming clash against the Dallas Cowboys. Dillon, grappling with neck and thumb injuries ahead of the Packers’ Wild Card game, was listed as questionable.

In an unexpected decision, the Packers cut ties with veteran running back Kenyan Drake from the practice squad. The team, in a statement on Friday, revealed that this move was made to accommodate the signing of cornerback David Long Jr.

General Manager Brian Gutekunst officially announced the transactions, stating, “The Green Bay Packers have signed CB David Long Jr. to the practice squad and released RB Kenyan Drake from the practice squad.”

Long Jr., standing at 5-11 and weighing 196 pounds, is a fifth-year player from the University of Michigan. He returns to the Packers after playing in three games following his waiver claim from the Carolina Panthers on Dec. 5. Originally chosen by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round (No. 79 overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft, Long adds depth to the Packers’ secondary.

On the running back front, the Packers still have rookie Ellis Merriweather on the practice squad. If Dillon is unable to play on Sunday, the team will rely on Aaron Jones, Patrick Taylor, and Emanuel Wilson from the 53-man roster to face the Cowboys.

The Packers, dealing with Eric Stokes on injured reserve and Jaire Alexander’s questionable status after an unusual injury during practice, recognized the need for additional depth in the secondary, prompting the signing of David Long Jr.