5 things to know about new Packers returner Tyler Ervin

An introduction to new Packers RB and returner Tyler Ervin, who was claimed by the team on Tuesday.

The Green Bay Packers acquired running back and returner Tyler Ervin off of waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars on Tuesday.

Here are five things to know about the new Packer:

The new returner: Packers coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Ervin, who will wear No. 32, would take over kick and punt return duties right away. The team released Tremon Smith on Monday, opening the door for Ervin to be the primary returner. Ervin will be the Packers’ fourth different No. 1 returner this season, joining Trevor Davis, Darrius Shepherd and Smith. The Packers need a spark after averaging negative yards per punt return (-8 yards on nine returns) and just 19.5 yards per kickoff return this season. They’re banking on Ervin to provide it.

Experienced NFL returner: Since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 draft, Ervin has returned 61 punts and 34 kickoffs, with those returns gaining over 1,200 total yards. Ervin averages 8.3 yards per punt return and 21.1 yards per kickoff return, with a long punt return of 57 yards and a long kickoff return of 36 yards. His best season as a returner came with the Houston Texans in 2018 when he averaged 8.3 yards per punt return and 25.3 yards per kickoff return. He still does not have a return touchdown in the NFL, although he was tackled inside the 5-yard line on a return for the Texans last season.

Explosive college player: Ervin was a dynamic runner, receiver and returner at San Jose State, and his size, versatility and quick, choppy running style helped earn him comparisons to Darren Sproles. He rushed for 2,803 yards and 16 touchdowns, caught 87 passes for 783 yards and four touchdowns, returned three kickoffs for touchdowns and two punts for touchdowns. As a senior in 2015, Ervin delivered 1,601 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, 45 catches and two receiving scores and one punt return for a score. He holds school records for all-purpose yardage (6,146), kickoff return yardage (2,374), kickoffs returned (101), kickoff returns for a touchdown (3) and combined punt and kickoffs returned for touchdowns (5), most touchdowns of 80 yards or more (6) and most touchdowns of 70 yards or more (8).

Versatile weapon: LaFleur mentioned Ervin’s versatile skill set on offense. Not only could he add a spark on special teams, both as a returner and covering kicks, but Ervin was sometimes used as a slot receiver and in the screen game at San Jose State and with the Texans. While he’s not big in stature, he has quick feet with explosive lower-body movement ability. The Packers are deep at running back, but it’s possible Ervin could eventually add something in the passing game for LaFleur’s offense. He had a similar type of player in Dion Lewis with the Titans last season.

Packers know him: The Packers faced Ervin during the preseason. As a member of the Baltimore Ravens, he ran two times for nine yards and caught two passes for 15 yards during a 26-13 win for the Ravens on Aug. 15. On one catch, he beat the tackle attempt of Packers rookie linebacker Ty Summers and picked up five. Later, he ran through defensive back Nydair Rouse at the second level on his way to a 7-yard run. Current Packers personnel executive Milt Hendrickson was still in Baltimore when the Ravens signed Ervin to the practice squad last November.

Bonus! Ervin can do three backflips in a row. Evidence below:

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