Packers: RB Patrick Taylor Signed from Practice Squad to 53-Man
By Paul Bretl
It was only a matter of time before this move was made. With Kylin Hill now on season-ending IR, and no outside addition made to the active roster, the Green Bay Packers have signed running back Patrick Taylor from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.
This is a move purely for depth. Maybe we see Taylor get a touch here and there, but this Green Bay Packers’ run game still goes through Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.
Taylor was signed as an undrafted rookie in 2020 out of Memphis. He would miss all of last season after undergoing offseason foot surgery prior to the 2020 season beginning.
During his time at Memphis, Taylor would rush for 2,873 yards, including 1,114 yards in 2018. He would average 5.4 yards per carry and find the end zone 36 times per PFF. In the passing game, Taylor had 55 receptions on 79 targets for a catch rate of almost 70 percent. He would finish his college career with 7.9 yards per reception and three touchdowns.
With his ability as a ball carrier, a pass-catcher — where he also has some collegiate experience from the slot — and the fact that he can hold his own in pass protection, Taylor really is a terrific fit for this Matt LaFleur offense at the running back position.
Taylor would appear in three of the Green Bay Packers’ preseason games this summer, carrying the ball 23 times for 89 yards and fumbling once, according to PFF ($$). Through the air, he had two receptions on five targets for 22 yards.
"“It’s great to get Patrick Taylor out there now, too,” LaFleur said during Training Camp via Packers Wire. “He’s one of the more intelligent players I’ve been around. You should see the way this guy takes notes, how detailed he is. He’s got a great understanding of what we’re trying to accomplish.”"
Taylor also did handle a few kick returns as well, another position that will have to be filled in Hill’s absence–although my guess is that Malik Taylor will assume that role given his past experience there.
This has been one of several roster moves made this week as the Green Bay Packers try to fill out their roster as they deal with injuries and players on the reserve/COVID list.