On Tuesday the Packers made roster cuts. Although, initially cutting down to 53 players does not mean that the final roster is decided.
For Matt Lafleur special teams is the focus as the season will be here in 11 days. Early on Wednesday, the Packers signed a veteran safety who has significant experience on special teams.
The #Packers are signing veteran S Rudy Ford, source says. Two days after being let go by the #Jaguars, Ford has a new home.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 31, 2022
Jonathan “Rudy” Ford
Jonathan “Rudy” Ford was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, in which he played for 2 seasons, and also with the Philadelphia Eagles. His most recent team the Jacksonville Jaguars released him on August 29th, two days before signing with the Packers.
In his career he has played over 985 snaps on special teams, and made 23 tackles with all three teams combined. Playing at the safety position, Ford has 88 tackles, one interception, and one pass breakup in 56 games.
Played 985 special teams snaps in five years with Arizona, Philly and Jacksonville https://t.co/cSsBWNH8Hb
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) August 31, 2022
In his last season with the Jaguars he played in a total of 423 snaps on defense, combining for 53 tackles (a team high).
Packers Special Teams Needs
Green Bay is in need of a veteran special teams player, now that Dallin Leavitt is still out with a shoulder injury. “Rudy” Ford certainly has the experience with both positions to bring the Packers more help.
It could be exactly what the team is looking for as they are still making room on the roster. This includes releasing Micha Abernathy on Wednesday, who played for Green Bay during the 3 preseason games. Shawn Davis, Innis Gaines, and Vernon Scott were all waived from the team due to injury.
There is still time before the regular season to see what other moves that the Packers general manager Gutekunst may make. Having the experience and reliable playmakers could benefit the Packers with having young wide receivers, and rookie players on defense this upcoming season.
It will be nice to see what Ford will look like when the season starts on September 11th against the Minnesota Vikings.
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