What to know: Packers elevate Taylor and Gaines for Week 2 vs. Atlanta

The Green Bay Packers announced that they would be elevating running back Patrick Taylor and safety Innis Gaines from the practice squad for their Week 2 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. Here is what you need to know.

Taylor will be elevated for the second time in as many weeks. He was brought up last week to play contribute on special teams, where he played nine snaps on a few different phases. As a ball carrier, Emanuel Wilson may have more upside, but in terms of who is more ready to contribute to special teams right now, that is Taylor. In addition to his special teams contributions, Taylor also had five carries for 22 yards late in the game when it was out of reach for Chicago and Aaron Jones was sidelined.

Perhaps the Packers are bringing Taylor up to have him fill a special teams role once again, but they could also be making this move to bolster the running back depth with Jones’ availability unknown at this time as he is listed as questionable still dealing with a hamstring injury. If this is the case, I would anticipate Taylor playing mostly on special teams again with Wilson being the primary second option behind AJ Dillon.

Ultimately, given that the Packers made this same move last week, it doesn’t tell us much on what Jones’ status will be. Whether Wilson is made active or inactive will be the telling move.

This is also Gaines’ second elevation as well. He also was a key special teams contributor in Week 1, playing 19 snaps – the second-most on the team – along with providing some additional cornerback depth with his ability to play in the slot and the Packers having only four cornerbacks on the 53-man roster. Gaines saw five defensive snaps against Chicago.

This move could be a sign that Zayne Anderson, who was claimed off waivers following roster cut downs, could be inactive again.

With Taylor and Gaines now being elevated for a second time, the Packers are only able to do so once more with each player. If they reach the point where either player has been added to the gameday roster three times, Green Bay will then have to either add Taylor or Gaines to the 53-man roster, in which a corresponding cut would have to take place to make room, or they’ll have to release either player at that time, giving another team the opportunity to sign him.

The Packers have also decided not to elevate a receiver. Based on what happened last week, that may not provide us with a ton of insight into Christian Watson’s availability. With only five receivers available against Chicago, the Packers didn’t make any elevations then either. Watson is questionable with that same hamstring injury but did practice in a limited fashion on Friday. If he can play, the Packers will have six receivers. Without him, they will have just as they did a week ago.

Linebacker Quay Walker has cleared concussion protocol and has been removed from the injury report. He will play against Atlanta.

The Packers will announce which players will be inactive for Sunday’s game 90 minutes before kickoff.