Green Bay Packers Reportedly Will Not Re-Sign Recently Released Running Back After Week 5 Fiasco

Prior to the Green Bay Packers‘ Week Five matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders, they released edge rusher Justin Hollins and signed running back Patrick Taylor to the 53-man roster. In their 17-13 loss, Taylor had two carries for two yards and two receptions for five yards.

Following the frustrating loss, which saw Green Bay have their most frustrating display on offense all season, the Packers re-signed Hollins and released Taylor. Many assumed that the team would, in short order, re-sign Taylor to the practice squad.

However, according to reports, the Packers are done with the third-year running back.

The Green Bay Packers Will Not Re-Sign Patrick Taylor

Taylor did not make the Packers’ 53-man roster to start the season. Instead, Green Bay elected to bring on Emanuel Wilson, who led the NFL in rushing yards during the preseason.

However, the Packers signed Taylor to their practice squad and elevated him in each of their first three games of the 2023 season. According to NFL rules, a player can only be elevated three times. If a team wishes to use that player in a game again, they must sign him to their 53-man roster.

Green Bay could always re-sign Taylor to their practice squad again, but it does not sound like they have any interest in doing so:

The Packers will not be resigning RB Patrick Taylor, per source. pic.twitter.com/1SacAUrOUf

— Easton Butler (@Easton__Butler) October 11, 2023

While this report has not been confirmed, it is telling that a move has not already been made in regards to re-signing Taylor.

The Green Bay Packers’ Running Back Situation Going Forward

Not signing Taylor to their 53-man roster at the beginning of the season indicated that the Packers had no long-term vision for him on their team. With Aaron Jones’ injury in Week One, it gave Taylor an opportunity for more playing time, but he was unable to give Green Bay the production that they needed.

Going forward, the Packers will have Jones, AJ Dillon, and Wilson as their three running backs, as was their plan when the season started.

Hopefully all three stay healthy so that they do not find themselves shorthanded at the position. If someone does get injured, they may have to look to other teams’ practice squads for a replacement.

The Green Bay Packers Need to Utilize Their Running Backs

It is no coincidence that Jones’ injury also coincided with the downfall of the Packers’ offense. AJ Dillon struggled in the team’s first four games before having a solid game against Las Vegas.

The fact of the matter, though, is that the team’s struggles are not completely on the running backs themselves. The offensive line has done a horrendous job run blocking and Matt LaFleur has not done a great job putting them in situations where they can be successful.

The key to the offense, at the point, is Jones and the health of his hamstring. Green Bay was able to put up 38 point in Week One, albeit against a very bad Chicago Bears defense. However, Jones being a weapon in both the run and pass games is something that opposing teams need to plan for. The attention paid to Jones will open the door for other players to thrive as well.

When it comes down to it, that effect is something that Taylor could not replicate.

The Green Bay Packers have made notable personnel changes, and Patrick Taylor’s status is one of the focal points. The team’s decision regarding Taylor has sparked discussions among fans and analysts. Dive deeper into the intricacies of this decision and stay updated with the latest Green Bay Packers Rumors.

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