The Green Bay Packers are adding reinforcements at outside linebacker and receiver from the practice squad before Sunday’s showdown with the Minnesota Vikings. The team announced the elevation of outside linebacker La’Darius Hamilton and receiver Juwann Winfree to the gameday roster for Week 11 on Saturday.
Hamilton, who was on the active roster until last Saturday, will be elevated for the first time. He was signed back to the practice squad this week after Rashan Gary, who is questionable to play Sunday, injured his elbow against the Seahawks. Hamilton played in three games for the Packers while on the 53-man roster, tallying two pressures over 40 total snaps.
Winfree will be elevated for the third time. He previously played two snaps in Week 6 against the Bears and 54 snaps (catching four passes for 30 yards) during a win in Arizona in Week 8. The Packers need him at receiver with Malik Taylor out and Allen Lazard doubtful to play on Sunday.
Running back Ryquell Armstead, who was protected on the practice squad this week, was not elevated. The Packers will have only two active running backs against the Vikings (starter A.J. Dillon and backup Patrick Taylor).
Under NFL rules, teams can elevate a player from the practice squad twice in a season. Winfree is allowed a third elevation because he was used as a COVID-19 replacement in Week 8.
