The Green Bay Packers might have a unique player capable of wearing many hats for Matt LaFleur in 2020.
Running back Tyler Ervin, who revived the team’s return game and then provided a few splash plays on offense to end the 2019 season, has played all over the field during his first few training camp practices to start 2020.
The Packers are test-driving what Ervin could do in a bigger role.
“He displayed that last season in the return game. He’s an explosive player. He’s pretty elusive,” LaFleur said Monday. “We have Adam Stenavich, who was his o-line coach for a year at San Jose State. He’s been in our ear about what kind of playmaker ‘Swerve’ can be. We’re just going to continue to give him opportunities to see what he can do.”
Ervin arrived in Green Bay in December of last year and was a special teams revelation, averaging 9.6 yards per punt return and 26.7 yards per kick return after the Packers return groups provided next to nothing the first three months of the season. LaFleur also used him as a gadget-type player, primarily on jet sweep motions and as a receiver out of the backfield. During the postseason, he produced an 18-yard run – helping set up a touchdown – in the first half of the Packers’ win over the Seattle Seahawks.
The Packers may attempt to build on those flashes and expand his role on offense this season, possibly providing more opportunities in the passing game and more opportunities to create with the ball in his hands.
Reporters at practice the first two days noted that Ervin has been working with the receiver group at times during position drills. Of course, he opened camp as the heavy favorite to return punts and kicks, too.
Ervin said the return game is still his “priority” but he’s excited about what could be in front of him as a weapon on offense.
“I think there’s a great opportunity. I just have to go out there and work hard and try and earn a spot,” Ervin said Monday. “I think I can contribute any way possible.”
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