In a post-Thanksgiving move, the Green Bay Packers have parted ways with running back James Robinson and receiver Bo Melton from their 53-man active roster. Both players were elevated from the practice squad last week to address injuries within the offensive skill positions leading up to the game against the Detroit Lions.
The team’s decision to release Robinson and Melton leaves uncertainties about their future, particularly whether they will be re-signed to the practice squad following the waiver process. With 15 players currently on the practice squad, including international exemption Kenneth Odumegwu, there is room for potential recalls.
Robinson’s journey saw him transition from the practice squad to the 53-man roster after Emmanuel Wilson’s placement on injured reserve. Additionally, starting running back Aaron Jones was sidelined against Detroit, prompting the signing of Patrick Taylor from the New England Patriots’ practice squad to the active roster. Taylor is slated to spend at least the next two weeks on Green Bay’s 53-man roster, adhering to the rules for practice squad poaches.
Melton’s activation was a response to Dontayvion Wicks missing time due to a concussion. With Wicks now out of concussion protocol and practicing with the Packers on Monday, neither Robinson nor Melton were part of the team’s practice session.
Despite being active for the Thanksgiving game against the Lions, Robinson did not take a snap, while Melton, in his regular-season debut, played eight snaps, with six of them on special teams.
The Packers currently have two open roster spots on their active roster, fueling speculation that they might be reserved for cornerback Eric Stokes and safety Darnell Savage. Both players, integral components of the starting defensive lineup, are currently on the injured reserve. Savage returned to practice last week, and Stokes initiated his 21-day practice window on Monday.
In other Packers news, the article mentions the team’s workout of six players ahead of their upcoming matchup against the Chiefs, updates on Eric Stokes’ potential return from IR, the departure of the Week 5 villain, and the opening odds for Week 13. The struggles of the Jets and Bills are noted as potentially benefiting the Packers’ 2024 draft, and the significance of a potential collapse by the Vikings and Seahawks for a Packers playoff berth is emphasized.