The Green Bay Packers swapped one veteran running back on the practice squad for another on Tuesday. The team announced the release of running back James Robinson from the practice squad and the signing of running back Kenyan Drake.
Robinson, a practice squad elevation in Week 13, played four snaps during the Packers’ 27-19 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. He carried once for two yards and caught one pass for -2 yards.
Taking his place will be Drake, a 2016 third-round pick who has played in 103 career NFL games. He was recently released from the practice squad of the Cleveland Browns. The Packers will be Drake’s fourth team in 2023; he previously spent time with the Browns, Baltimore Ravens and Indianapolis Colts.
Drake appeared in two games for the Ravens this season. He carried once for no gain and caught two passes for 31 yards (long of 24). Last season, Drake played in 12 games for the Ravens, producing 571 total yards and five scores.
The Packers are getting experience and versatility from Drake, who has 868 career carries, 218 career catches and 41 career kickoff returns over 3,016 snaps on offense and 457 on special teams.
It’s possible Drake will be an immediate practice squad elevation candidate and a valuable insurance option at running back should the team want to move on from Patrick Taylor when Aaron Jones (knee) is healthy enough to play again. Taylor was claimed off the Patriots practice squad and is required to be on the roster for at least one more game.
The Packers also made official the addition of cornerback David Long, who was claimed off waivers from the Panthers on Monday.