The Green Bay Packers elevated running back Ellis Merriweather from the practice squad to the gameday roster for Week 1. The move was announced Friday, making Merriweather available for Matt LaFleur and the Packers for the team’s season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles at Arena Corinthians in Brazil.
Merriweather provides depth at running back, where MarShawn Lloyd (hamstring) and Emanuel Wilson (hip) are both dealing with injuries behind starter Josh Jacobs. Lloyd and Wilson practiced Thursday but were listed as questionable to play vs. the Eagles.
Lloyd is inactive, so Merriweather will likely be the No. 3 option behind Wilson on Friday night.
The Packers did not elevate quarterback Sean Clifford, so Malik Willis will be the only quarterback behind Jordan Love. The team also didn’t elevate a tight end type, so Tucker Kraft (back, questionable) is likely in good shape for Friday night.
All teams are allowed to elevate up to two players from the practice squad each week. An individual player can only be elevated from the practice squad three times per season, so Merriweather has only two elevations left. On Saturday, Merriweather will revert back to the practice squad.
Elevations by week
Week 1: RB Ellis Merriweather