Packers sign former Dolphins RB Chris Brooks to practice squad

The Packers signed former Dolphins running back Chris Brooks to the practice squad.

The Green Bay Packers signed running back Chris Brooks to the practice squad on Wednesday.

Brooks, who spent his final collegiate season at BYU, rushed 19 times for 106 yards over nine games as a rookie with the Miami Dolphins last season.  He rushed 130 times for 817 yards and four scores in 2022 for BYU.

The Dolphins waived Brooks with an injury designation at final cuts on Aug. 27. He suffered a concussion during Miami’s second preseason game.

The Packers already have two other running backs on the practice squad: La’Mical Perine, who was signed last week, and Ellis Merriweather.

The Packers have two running backs on the injury report — rookie MarShawn Lloyd with a hamstring injury and Emanuel Wilson with a hip injury — and A.J. Dillon is out for the season with a neck injury.

Brooks got carries in three games last season in Miami: vs. Broncos (nine carries, 66 yards), vs. Panthers (six, 28) and vs. Ravens (four, 12). He made one tackle while playing 13 special teams snaps in the Dolphins’ playoff loss to the Chiefs. According to Pro Football Focus, Brooks forced nine missed tackles and averaged over 5.0 yards per carry after first contact.

During the 2024 preseason, Brooks carried 17 times for 103 yards, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Per PFF, he forced five missed tackles and had two runs over 20 yards. He scored a pair of touchdowns during the 2023 preseason.

The Packers did not immediately announce a corresponding roster move, but one is required with 17 players already on the practice squad. Rookie tight end Messiah Swinson was signed by the Carolina Panthers off the Packers practice squad, per Aaron Wilson, clearing the way for Brooks to sign.