The Green Bay Packers’ 23-20 win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday afternoon re-entered them into the NFC Playoff picture, albeit by a narrow margin. Indeed, Jordan Love and the offense looked about as good as one could have hoped for in the first half, avoiding turnovers, throwing accurately deep downfield, and finding the end zone.
Unfortunately, the Packers suffered significant injuries to two of their three running backs as a result of their victory. Aaron Jones went down with a knee injury that appeared to be season-ending at first glance. While he avoided a serious injury, he will be out for a few weeks.
Aside from Jones, rookie running back Emanuel Wilson was forced to leave the game with a separated shoulder. Even if the Packers’ medical tests came back positive, neither player would be ready to play against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving.
This is why Green Bay decided to bring Patrick Taylor back on Monday, something he told his wife would happen just minutes before the phone call.
Patrick Taylor Knew the Green Bay Packers Would Come Calling
Taylor was signed to the New England Patriots’ practice squad after being released by the Packers earlier this season. Taylor was at home with his wife watching the Packers game because New England was on a bye this week.
When Taylor saw Jones and Wilson get hurt, he told his wife, “I might be going back to Green Bay.” He went on to say, “Literally two minutes, three minutes after I said that, my agent called.”
When asked when that was during the game, Taylor replied, “Halftime.”
Going into Thanksgiving, the Green Bay Packers’ running back situation is precarious.
Taylor was signed to the Packers’ 53-man roster and will serve as AJ Dillon’s backup against the Detroit Lions on Thursday. According to NFL rules, Taylor must be on the Packers’ 53-man roster for at least three weeks. Even if he is released after Thursday, he will continue to count (and be paid) for two weeks.
However, given Jones’ injury, it appears that Taylor will be around for a while. Along with his signing, the Packers added James Robinson to their practice squad. He, too, spent three weeks on Green Bay’s practice squad before being released in favor of rookie running back Ellis Merriweather.
The Packers were held to 27 rushing yards in their last meeting with the Lions. They’ll have to do better than that on Thanksgiving, which will be a tall order with Jones. Dillon has been playing well recently and will need to continue to do so if Green Bay is to establish a run game.
