The Green Bay Packers elevated running back Kenyan Drake from the practice squad to the gameday roster for Week 14. The move was announced Monday, making Drake available for Matt LaFleur and the Packers for Monday night’s showdown with the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium.
Drake, who signed in Green Bay on Dec. 5, will give the Packers a veteran option at running back behind A.J. Dillon and Patrick Taylor. The elevation is an obvious response to the availability of Aaron Jones, who is not expected to play for a third consecutive game due to a knee injury.
Drake, now in his eighth NFL season, has experience as a runner, pass-catcher and kick returner. His presence may allow the Packers to use Taylor on more special teams units.
Earlier this week, coach Matt LaFleur said Drake had done a “nice job” absorbing the offense and handling his duties in walk-through portions of practice.
Drake played in two games with the Baltimore Ravens this season, rushing once for no gain and catching two passes for 31 yards. Between 2020 and 2022, Drake produced 2,208 yards and 18 total touchdowns across 39 games with three different teams.
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 Drake has two elevations remaining. On Tuesday, Drake 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
Week 7: None
Week 8: None
Week 9: DB Innis Gaines
Week 10: None
Week 11: S Benny Sapp III
Week 12: S Benny Sapp III, FB Henry Pearson
Week 13: RB James Robinson, FB Henry Pearson
Week 14: RB Kenyan Drake