Monday’s Packers Transactions: What They Mean for ‘MNF’ vs. Raiders

The Green Bay Packers were out of practice-squad elevations for Patrick Taylor, so he's been signed to the 53 for Monday night at the Raiders.

Author:
Bill Huber
Publish date:
Oct 9, 2023 4:19 PM EDT

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Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY, Wis. – With running back Aaron Jones sidelined again by a hamstring injury, the Green Bay Packers signed running back Patrick Taylor to the 53-man roster in time for Monday night’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

The team had elevated Taylor from the practice squad for each of the first three games. That’s the maximum number before that player must be signed to the active roster.

So, Taylor, who lost out to Emanuel Wilson for the No. 3 job in training camp, is back on the 53-man roster.

To create a space on the roster, the Packers released outside linebacker Justin Hollins.

An undrafted free agent in 2020 who missed his rookie season following the same Lisfranc foot injury that derailed cornerback Eric Stokes, Taylor has played in 26 games over three seasons. In his three appearances this year, he’s carried nine times for 29 yards (3.2 average) and caught three passes for 23 yards (7.7 average).

While the undrafted Wilson won the roster spot out of training camp, the snap count reads 49 for Taylor vs. 13 for Wilson. Wilson, who led the NFL in preseason rushing, has five carries for 11 yards (2.2 average) and one catch for 6 yards.

AJ Dillon will get the start, with Taylor and Wilson getting their chance for the No. 2 reps.

“I think the biggest thing that I liked about him is just how quick he was with his feet,” running backs coach Ben Sirmans said of Wilson. “He has some explosive ability. He’s got some niftiness where he’s light on his feet in terms of making cuts, especially in short quarters. That’s the biggest thing that I like. And he’s actually stronger than sometimes I think that he realizes.

“And, really, it’s just a matter of in terms of getting on the field. Especially now with Aaron coming back, it’s just harder and trying to find those times to get him in there. But I like where he’s headed with everything.”

Here’s what all of Monday’s roster moves mean.

Still on PUP: CB Eric Stokes

With Jaire Alexander expected to return to the starting lineup after a two-game absence, the Packers are keeping Eric Stokes on the physically unable to perform list for this week and through next week’s bye.

Stokes, a rookie standout as the team’s first-round pick in 2021, missed the second half of last season with a foot injury that required surgery. The Packers opened his 21-day practice window on Tuesday and Stokes had an encouraging first week of practice.

Patrick Taylor is back on the roster for the Packers.
Photo by Wm. Glasheen/USA Today Sports Images

Released: OLB Justin Hollins

This transaction was bound to happen. With Rashan Gary ready for more playing time following last year’s torn ACL and with first-round pick Lukas Van Ness ready for more snaps, as well, something had to give at outside linebacker.

So, the Packers released Hollins, who performed capably in Gary’s absence last season. However, he was almost invisible through four games this season with nine tackles and two pressures. Of 115 edge defenders with at least 40 pass-rushing snaps. Hollins ranks 108th in ProFootballFocus.com’s pass-rushing productivity, which measures sacks, hits and hurries per pass-rushing opportunity.

The Packers will proceed with Gary and Preston Smith with the starters and Van Ness and Kingsley Enagbare in reserve.

Elevated: CB Corey Ballentine

While Jaire Alexander will play, the Packers have elevated Corey Ballentine to the gameday roster for the third time.

He’s played extensively with Alexander missing the last two games with a hamstring injury. For Monday, he’ll provide insurance for Alexander and proven performance on special teams.