Packers make a slew of roster moves prior to Cowboys game
By Paul Bretl
It was a busy Saturday for the Green Bay Packers, who made a slew of roster moves prior to their matchup with the Dallas Cowboys.
The first, reported by Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated, was that the Packers placed Eric Stokes on IR–a move that was very much expected. Stokes left the Detroit game with an ankle and knee injury. On the Monday following the game, Matt LaFleur expressed his concern and then said on Friday that he would be out for the season.
To bolster the depth at the cornerback position, Green Bay signed Corey Ballentine from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. Ballentine won’t see any defensive snaps, but without him, the Packers would have only three healthy cornerbacks available.
In Stokes’ absence, the Packers have a few options when it comes to how they align the secondary. Keisean Nixon can continue to play in the slot as he did on Sunday and on a few other occasions. Or perhaps, Green Bay moves Darnell Savage there now that they have added safety depth after claiming Johnathan Abram off waivers.
Ballentine was signed to the practice squad at the end of September. He was a sixth-round pick in 2019 by the New York Giants and has 405 career defensive snaps, allowing 38 completions on 52 targets at 12.9 yards per catch and two pass breakups.
Where Ballentine could have an impact on Sunday is on special teams. He has 424 career special teams snaps, according to PFF ($$), and has filled a variety of roles. He will likely be called on by Rich Bisaccia against Dallas to take some snaps.
The other two moves made were practice squad elevations, one of which included bringing up La’Darius Hamilton for Sunday’s game. Without Rashan Gary, the Packers needed a fourth available edge rusher on the roster. Hamilton played 14 snaps against Washington in Week 7 but didn’t record a pressure or a tackle.
Without Gary, one of the most productive pass rushers in football, Joe Barry should consider utilizing more stunts, twists, and blitzes to help create some pressures.
The final move was an interesting one, with the Packers elevating kicker Ramiz Ahmed. Once again, according to Bill Huber, the reason for this peculiar move was because Mason Crosby was dealing with a back issue during the week of practice. Crosby will still have field goal and extra point duties, but Ahmed will handle kickoffs.
Lastly, sometimes as important as the moves that are made are the ones that aren’t. Without a wide receiver being added to the roster, I’d guess that Amari Rodgers will be available. The Packers’ receiver depth will again be tested this week.