Packers Add Productive College RB to Practice Squad & Place Dexter Williams on IR

On Wednesday, we learned that the Green Bay Packers placed Dexter Williams on IR and added RB Mike Weber to the practice squad.

With Jamaal Williams and A.J. Dillon on the COVID/reserve list for last Thursday’s game in San Francisco, the Green Bay Packers elevated Dexter Williams from the practice squad for that game. Unfortunately, Williams would see only four offensive snaps before leaving the game with what was called a knee injury.

We would later learn from Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network that Williams suffered an MCL sprain and that he was going to miss some time. As a result, the Packers recently moved him to IR, which opened a roster spot on the practice squad that was just filled by running back Mike Weber, who did practice with the team on Wednesday.

Weber was a seventh-round pick by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2019 draft out of Ohio State. With the Buckeyes, Weber appeared in 38 games, rushing for 2,676 yards on 5.9 yards per carry with 24 touchdowns. This included a nearly 1,100-yard season as a freshman, where he was also named Big Ten Freshman of the Year and a member of the second-team All-Big Ten. In his junior year, he would almost reach the 1,000-yard mark once again, posting 954 rushing yards that season.

Weber was also used in the passing game a bit as well, recording 54 receptions with a touchdown, although he averaged only 5.5 yards per catch. But primarily, it was his job to run the ball.

Listed at 5’10” – 211 pounds, Weber ran a 4.47 – 40 yard dash at the NFL combine, put up 22 reps on the bench press, and recorded a 33.5″ vertical jump. When it was all said and done, Weber posted an “okay” Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 7.05 out of 10. For reference, Aaron Jones recorded a RAS of 9.21, Jamaal Williams had a score of 4.55, and Dexter Williams posted 8.15.

For a closer look at Weber’s game, Kyle Crabbs of The Draft Network had to say about him in his scouting report prior to the 2019 draft:

"“Mike Weber projects as a rotational back at the NFL level. Weber’s controlled patience makes sense in an inside zone. Weber’s contact balance can allow him to garner a share of touches, but his limitations in physical explosiveness make him a modest play in the long run. Weber’s role is likely one of a spot starter, but he’s got the football IQ to maximize his tools and be a worthy piece of a backfield. Should not be considered for full-time RB status, however.”"

During his short NFL career, Weber has spent time on the Dallas and Kansas City practice squads but is yet to take his first regular-season snap. Here in Green Bay, he provides added depth at the running back position with D. Williams now on IR; however, barring injuries, he will be a practice squad player for the foreseeable future.