The Green Bay Packers elevated quarterback Sean Clifford and cornerback Robert Rochell from the practice squad to the gameday roster for Week 3. The move was announced Saturday, making Clifford and Rochell available for Matt LaFleur and the Packers for the Sunday’s showdown with the Tennessee Titans.
Clifford is needed as insurance at quarterback in the event Jordan Love (knee) doesn’t play. Rochell will likely replace cornerback Carrington Valentine, who is doubtful to play after not practicing all week because of an ankle injury and likely to be inactive Sunday.
The Packers elevated Clifford last week as the backup behind Malik Willis. Love, who is still recovering from a sprained MCL, practiced in a limited capacity this week and is listed as questionable to play against the Titans. The Packers said all week that Love would be given the full week to get physically prepared to play, suggesting a true gametime decision Sunday and the need for elevating Clifford Saturday as a safeguard.
Viewing the moves more pessimistically, one could surmise the Packers know Love isn’t going to play and need Clifford for backup duties Sunday.
While Eric Stokes is the expected starter opposite Jaire Alexander at cornerback, Rochell will likely get special teams snaps and provide depth on the perimeter in the case of injury. Stokes and Valentine split snaps last week. Corey Ballentine is the expected backup behind Stokes.
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 Clifford has just one elevation left. Rochell has two. On Monday, Clifford and Rochell will revert back to the practice squad.
Elevations by week
Week 1: RB Ellis Merriweather
Week 2: QB Sean Clifford
Week 3: QB Sean Clifford, CB Robert Rochell