Saturday's Transactions: What They Mean for Aaron Jones on Sunday at Falcons
The Green Bay Packers made a pair of roster moves before Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.
They probably look familiar, considering both moves were made at this time a week ago.
Two players elevated
The Packers elevated two players from their practice squad.
Patrick Taylor: The situation at running back is interesting. Did the Packers elevate Taylor as insurance for Aaron Jones? Did they just need him for special teams? Chances are we'll all find out tomorrow when they release the inactive list.
Taylor is going to be active, at minimum for special teams. What could be telling in terms of Jones' availability is whether or not the preseason's leading rusher, Emanuel Wilson is active.
"Yeah, he’s done a good job," Packers' offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said.
"You know, we saw what he was about in preseason, he made some really big plays, ran the ball pretty well, so if he gets in there, he could be ready."
Wilson was the player the Packers kept on the initial 53-man roster after the season was over, but Taylor played was active last week and handled running back duties after the game was put on ice.
Photo by Dan Powers/USA Today Sports Images
Regardless, if Jones is able to go, he'll likely be limited.
"You’re looking at – again, everything’s about context – what they’re going to try to do, what they’re going to try to attack." Falcons' coach Arthur Smith said.
"Some of it is scheme. Some of it’s who’s making the plays. I’ll tell you this, Aaron Jones is a hell of a football player. Guy took a screen to an explosive, took a choice route – or whatever they’re calling it – to the house. When you’ve got explosive players, those are things that concern you."
Innis Gaines: Gaines is listed as a safety, but has been Keisean Nixon's primary backup in the slot. His role on defense is irrelevant for the most part. He's likely to see snaps in that phase if someone is injured. Gaines is here for special teams, and was active over Zayne Anderson, one of the waiver claims the Packers made at the end of training camp.
Quay Walker cleared
In other significant news, Quay Walker has cleared the concussion protocol and will be active on Sunday against the Falcons' dynamic running game.
Walker is coming off what is arguably the best game of his career, which included the biggest play of his career.
Walker's presence is more significant because he wore the green dot communication helmet on Sunday against Chicago, and was the only linebacker in the game when the Packers went to their penny fronts.
Quay Walker (Photo by Dan Powers/USA Today Sports Images)
Walker was drafted for his coverage skills, and will be relied on heavily against Atlanta's do-it-all star, Bijan Robinson.
"He's not a good back, he's an elite back." Joe Barry said during coordinator availability.
The Packers held Chicago Bears running backs to 3.3 yards-per-carry a week ago, but the Falcons running game is a different animal.
"So, good start, but it’s Week 1. We’re playing a totally different team, totally different style of play and they also run the ball quite a bit." Jerry Montgomery said.
Expect the Falcons to try and run early and often as they did a week ago to stay away from the Packers' ferocious pass rush.
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