Packers make interesting move promoting OL Caleb Jones to roster
By Paul Bretl
In an interesting move, the Green Bay Packers have reportedly moved undrafted offensive tackle, Caleb Jones from the practice squad to the active roster, according to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network.
Jones brings rare size to the offensive tackle position, standing 6’9” and weighing 340 pounds. He went undrafted this past spring out of Indiana and impressed during training camp.
Jones eventually worked his way up to the second team offensive line, playing at right tackle. He allowed only one pressure during the preseason and had the 12th highest run-blocking grade, according to PFF ($$), among all offensive tackles.
Jones was very much in the conversation for a roster spot but ended up on the Packers practice squad with 10 offensive linemen already on the 53-man. Many thought the Packers were lucky to get Jones back on the practice squad, given that his size, athleticism, and play this summer likely made him an appealing option for other teams.
So now the question is, why did the Packers choose to make this move at this time?
Perhaps the most likely option is that another team was going to sign Jones off the practice squad and onto their active roster. Before the season began, Aaron Rodgers did mention that he thought that Jones was deserving of a roster spot, which says a lot about his play, and I’m sure other general managers around the league took notice during the preseason.
Another reason could be the lack of depth currently at the offensive line position. Once Jon Runyan exited Sunday’s game, the only other offensive line options on the bench were Sean Rhyan and Rasheed Walker.
Looking ahead to this week’s game against Chicago, as Ryan Wood of Packers News would report, it is unlikely that David Bakhtiari will play. The team may also still be without Elgton Jenkins, and we don’t know Runyan’s availability at this time either as he recovers from a concussion.
A third option is that perhaps the Packers want Jones to compete for playing time at right tackle given the poor play this past Sunday from Royce Newman and Jake Hanson. Although of the three options, I see this as the least likely. If Jones should be competing for playing time, then why was he on the practice squad to begin with?
With this move, there will have to be a corresponding move made by the Packers to keep their roster at 53 players. Depending on the severity of the injuries, perhaps either Krys Barnes or Keisean Nixon end up on IR.