The Green Bay Packers defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 23-20 on Sunday afternoon to improve to 4-6. The win placed Green Bay just a game outside of the final wild card spot in the NFC Playoff picture.
Unfortunately, the win came at a staggering price. The Packers saw not one, but two of their three running backs exit with injuries. Aaron Jones suffered a knee injury that, upon first glance, appeared to be season-ending. However, initial tests ruled out a torn ACL and he may return yet this season. Tests are still being performed today.
Emanuel Wilson left the game with a separated shoulder. Further tests will reveal the extent of his injury as well.
The problem for Green Bay, though, is that they have just three days until their next game, a Thanksgiving matchup with the Detroit Lions. Even if both running backs escaped serious injury, the likelihood that they would be able to play just a few days after their injuries is not good.
In order to provide AJ Dillon some relief in the backfield, the Packers turned to a familiar face: James Robinson, who previously spent three weeks on the team’s practice squad earlier this season.
The Green Bay Packers Re-Sign Running Back James Robinson
Sports Illustrated‘s Bill Huber was the first to report that the Packers are re-signing Robinson ahead of their Thanksgiving matchup with Detroit. While nothing official has been revealed, it is presumed that Robinson will be signed to the team’s practice squad.
There, Robinson will join rookie running back Ellis Merriweather, who was signed by the Packers when they released him earlier this season. Either one of them can be used as a game day elevation for Green Bay come Thursday.
Why Did the Green Bay Packers Sign James Robinson Before Thanksgiving?
There are multiple running backs on various practice squads that have spent time with the Packers. For example, Patrick Taylor was picked up by the New England Patriots when the Packers released him earlier this year. Tyler Goodson, once a fan-favorite in the preseason, Goodson was released in favor of Taylor and Wilson this year. He was picked up by the Indianapolis Colts.
The fact of the matter, though, is that Green Bay had already run its course with both Taylor and Goodson. If they saw them as good short-term or long-term fits, they would have done whatever could reasonably be done to keep them. They didn’t.
Robinson, meanwhile, knows a bit about the Packers offense from his short stint with the team this year. He is also a veteran, which may give him a leg up on Merriweather when it comes to who will be elevated on Thanksgiving.
Fans may recall that Robinson was a 1,000-yard rusher in 2020 as an undrafted rookie with the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, knee injuries have hampered what was once believed to be a promising career.
While he has not played a snap in the regular season this year, he could get a shot on Thursday should the Packers choose to elevate him. It could be the break that springboards him to another regular playing opportunity in the NFL.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
