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Packers make trio of roster moves following cuts including potential punt return help

By Paul Bretl

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 07: Dede Westbrook #12 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 7, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)"nNo licensing by any casino, sportsbook, and/or fantasy sports organization for any purpose. During game play, no use of images within play-by-play, statistical account or depiction of a game (e.g., limited to use of fewer than 10 images during the game).
BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 07: Dede Westbrook #12 of the Minnesota Vikings warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on November 7, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)"nNo licensing by any casino, sportsbook, and/or fantasy sports organization for any purpose. During game play, no use of images within play-by-play, statistical account or depiction of a game (e.g., limited to use of fewer than 10 images during the game). /
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After cutting running back Kylin Hill and receiver Amari Rodgers, the Packers made a trio of roster moves on Tuesday afternoon.

The first was signing Patrick Taylor from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. Taylor had been on the roster for seven games earlier this season, playing only on special teams. My best guess as to why the Packers decided to cut Hill is because he was only playing on the kick coverage unit the last two games. Taylor, meanwhile, covered a variety of roles on several different special teams units. With Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon taking all the offensive snaps, potential production on that side of the ball doesn’t carry as much weight.

The other two moves made by the Packers were practice squad additions, which includes the signing of wide receiver Dede Westbrook.

Westbrook was a 2017 fourth-round pick by Jacksonville and had a pair of 101 target seasons in 2018 and 2019, where he totaled 1,377 yards with eight touchdowns. Last season with Minnesota, he had a small role on offense, catching 10 passes on 15 targets at 6.8 yards per catch.

Despite the Packers’ uncertainty at receiver, Westbrook likely won’t be seeing offensive snaps any time soon. However, where he could contribute is on special teams as a punt return man. Over his career, Westbrook has 69 return attempts and has averaged an impressive 9.3 yards per return with a touchdown. Green Bay, of course, has an opening at this position.

The other practice squad signing was edge rusher Tim Ward, who will provide added depth with Rashan Gary out for the season. Ward went undrafted in 2019 and saw 191 of his 248 career defensive snaps take place a season ago with the New York Jets. During that span, he would total one pressure and 11 total tackles per PFF ($$).

At the moment, the Packers have one roster spot open that could go to Randall Cobb once activated off IR. The Packers will also have to make an edge rusher addition to the 53-man roster soon. Tipa Galeai is still on IR, while La’Darius Hamilton has just one practice squad elevation remaining.

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