The Green Bay Packers elevated cornerback Corey Ballentine from the practice squad to the gameday roster for Week 5. The move was announced Monday, making Ballentine available for Matt LaFleur and the Packers for Monday night’s showdown with the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.
Ballentine has been elevated each of the last three weeks and is now out of elevations. He would need to be signed to the 53-man roster to play for the Packers again this season.
While Jaire Alexander is expected to return from a back injury and play against the Raiders, Ballentine provides insurance at the position, especially considering Eric Stokes (PUP) was not activated to the 53-man roster.
With Alexander out the last two weeks, Ballentine played 80 defensive snaps at cornerback vs. the Saints and Lions. He was also on the field for 36 special teams snaps, or two-thirds of the Packers’ snaps on special teams over the last two weeks. Unless Alexander suffers a setback, Ballentine will be mostly a special teamer on Monday night.
Last week, the Packers used Ballentine more against the run-heavy Lions. Rookie Carrington Valentine, who was a full participant at practice all week, is another backup option at cornerback. It’s unclear if the Packers favor Valentine or Ballentine as the No. 4 cornerback this week, but Ballentine’s elevation suggests it could be him.
The Packers also signed running back Patrick Taylor (who was out of elevations) from the practice squad and released outside linebacker Justin Hollins on Monday.
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 Ballentine is now out of elevations. On Tuesday, Ballentine will revert back to the practice squad.
Elevations by week
Week 1: RB Patrick Taylor, DB Innis Gaines
Week 2: RB Patrick Taylor, DB Innis Gaines
Week 3: RB Patrick Taylor, CB Corey Ballentine
Week 4: CB Corey Ballentine, CB Kiondre Thomas
Week 5: CB Corey Ballentine