Two likely practice squad elevations in Week 11 were protected by the Green Bay Packers on Tuesday. According to the league’s transaction wire, Matt LaFleur’s team protected running back Ryquell Armstead and outside linebacker La’Darius Hamilton on the practice squad this week, meaning no team can sign either player.
The Packers may need both on Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. The team is dealing with several injuries at both running back and outside linebacker and will likely be shorthanded at both positions without help from the practice squad.
All teams can protect up to four players on the practice squad each week. In addition to Armstead and Hamilton, the Packers protected No. 3 quarterback Kurt Benkert and kicker J.J. Molson, who have each been protected every week they’ve been available this season.
In addition, teams can elevate up to two players from the practice squad to the gameday roster. This is where Armstead and Hamilton come in for Sunday.
With Aaron Jones nursing a new knee injury, Armstead could be elevated to serve as the No. 3 running back behind A.J. Dillon and Patrick Taylor. The Packers originally signed him on Nov. 3, so he’s had roughly two weeks in the building. A fifth-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019, Armstead has played in 16 career NFL games (all in 2019) – rushing 35 times for 108 yards and catching 14 passes for 144 yards.
Hamilton is back in Green Bay after being released on Saturday. Why the quick return? Veteran edge rusher Whitney Mercilus suffered a season-ending biceps injury on Sunday and was placed on injured reserve on Tuesday. Hamilton played in three games for the Packers after being signed off the Tampa Bay Buccaneers practice squad in mid-September. His experience in the defense makes him an ideal elevation candidate, especially with Rashan Gary (elbow) also injured.
Unless the Packers make a move for a more experienced player at running back and edge rusher this week, expect Armstead and Hamilton to get the callup to the gameday roster for Sunday against the Vikings.
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