The Green Bay Packers addressed a need on the practice squad
The Green Bay Packers recently hosted a workout as they look to add to their roster this season. The 17-week NFL season has taken a toll on the Packers early with several injuries. The offense has been especially hit hard. But there have been significant injuries to the defense, like cornerback Jaire Alexander in Week 3, that are concerning. The Packers addressed potential depth issues in the secondary or special teams with a Wednesday signing to the practice squad.
According to Bill Huber with Sports Illustrated, the Packers signed cornerback Corey Ballentine to the practice squad. Ballentine has been in the league since 2019. He brings depth to the roster with experience as a return man and cornerback. The New York Giants drafted Ballentine in the 6th round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He’s been with four other NFL teams since. The Atlanta Falcons most recently waived him in August.
Ballentine was impressive in college
Ballentine has played in 32 games in the NFL since he was drafted. He’s defended two passes and made 46 combined tackles. The Giants, Detriot Lions, and New York Jets featured Ballentine as a kick returner. He comes to the Packers with a 24.4 yard per return average.
Ballentine had a successful career in college. According to Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News, Ballentine overcame many obstacles, including only playing two years of varsity high school football, to make it into the NFL. He impressed his coaches as he made his way to playing Division II college football:
When Washburn gave him a chance to play football, though, he demonstrated his talent in 46 career games with 186 tackles, 10 for a loss, four forced fumbles, three recoveries and five interceptions.
He started as a down safety/nickel corner for a couple years and then moved outside to corner in 2017 and 2018. He won the Cliff Harris Award for small college defensive player of the year last season.
He also blocked four career kicks and averaged 24.81 yards per kickoff return. Plus, he ran track for the Ichabods (nicknamed for the school’s early benefactor, Ichabod Washburn), setting numerous school records.
Ballentine’s work ethic should have Packers fans excited about his potential. He’s worked unbelievably hard to achieve his dreams of being in the NFL. Ballentine will give it everything he has to get on the field for the Packers when they need him.
