In a move made necessary by the on-going injury situation at running back, the Green Bay Packers signed running back Patrick Taylor from the practice squad and released outside linebacker Justin Hollins in the hours before Monday night’s showdown with the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.
The move is an obvious reaction to the unlikelihood of having running back Aaron Jones available on Monday night. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Jones is unlikely to play, and Taylor’s promotion suggests Jones — who injured his hamstring in Week 1 — won’t be available for the third time in four weeks.
Taylor was elevated from the practice squad during each of the first three weeks. Players are allowed three elevations per season, so the Packers needed to sign Taylor to the 53-man roster to have him on the field against the Raiders.
During the first three weeks, Taylor carried nine times for 29 yards and caught three passes for 23 yards. He was on the field for 49 snaps on offense and 29 snaps on special teams. The Packers like his versatility, particularly as a receiver, blocker and contributor on special teams.
Without Jones, the Packers would be down to Taylor, A.J. Dillon and Emanuel Wilson at running back. Dillon is averaging 2.7 yards per carry and Wilson is a rookie with only five career carries in the NFL.
To clear a roster spot, the Packers released Hollins, a veteran edge rusher who was on the field for 20 or more defensive snaps during each of the first three weeks. The Packers were carrying six outside linebackers on the 53-man roster prior to Hollins’ release. His departure suggests Rashan Gary is closer to being a full-time player and rookie Lukas Van Ness is ready for a bigger role. Rookie Brenton Cox Jr. now becomes the No. 5 edge rusher.
Hollins, 27, will go on waivers. The Packers originally added Hollins off waivers from the Rams last year. He played 84 snaps on defense for the Packers through the first four games of the 2023 season, tallying five tackles, two stops and two pressures. Last week, Hollins was on the field for a season-low 13 snaps vs. the Lions.