Packers activate Kylin Hill off PUP; what you need to know
By Paul Bretl
Following Week 4, the Green Bay Packers opened running back Kylin Hill’s three-week practice window while he still remained on the PUP list.
Now we are at the end of that three-week window, and as expected, the Packers have activated him and placed him back on the 53-man roster, according to Bill Huber. Had Hill not been ready, he would have been placed on season-ending IR.
What you need to know about the Packers activating Kylin Hill off the PUP list
Prior to this move, the Packers’ roster was at just 51 players, so they had the room to add Hill without having to make a corresponding move. However, they decided to do so anyways, releasing Patrick Taylor on Tuesday—a move that was expected, given that Green Bay wasn’t going to roster four running backs. I imagine they will try to get Taylor back on the practice squad, where there is an opening after the team also released Kobe Jones.
Prior to Hill suffering his ACL injury in Week 8 of last season, he was primarily the Packers’ kick returner, a role that has recently belonged to Keisean Nixon. On 10 attempts in 2021, Hill averaged only 19.9 yards per return.
As Green Bay’s third running back, his role was small, as Hill totaled 24 yards on only 10 attempts, along with one reception for five yards, according to PFF ($$).
Before the season began, I pontificated about Hill playing a larger role this season, given the likelihood of Jones and Dillon having a larger workload. More opportunities for Hill would provide additional opportunities for rest for Jones and Dillon, who of course, would still handle the bulk of the snaps. With Hill in his second season in Matt LaFleur’s system, there may be added comfortability in him having a greater role.
Only time will tell what Hill’s usage looks like, but whether it be as the kick or punt return man — where Hill has no NFL experience, but the Packers could use an upgrade — or as Green Bay’s third running back meant to provide some relief, there is the potential that he could take on a larger role in his second season.