The Green Bay Packers made a swap of veterans on the practice squad on Friday, re-signing cornerback David Long Jr. and releasing running back Kenyan Drake.
Long’s return will provide an opportunity for the Packers to elevate him to the gameday roster for Sunday’s NFC Wild Card Round showdown with the Dallas Cowboys. Additional depth at cornerback might be needed with Jaire Alexander questionable to play because of an ankle injury and Eric Stokes on injured reserve.
The Packers claimed Long off waivers from the Carolina Panthers on Dec. 5. He played in three games (vs. Bucs, at Panthers, at Vikings) and was on the field for 14 special teams snaps as part of the 53-man roster for the Packers. Of his 14 snaps, 13 came covering kickoff returns.
Long previously played 190 defensive snaps while with the Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders this season. A third-round pick in 2019, Long played in 52 games over four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams.
Drake became expendable when Emanuel Wilson returned off injured reserve. A.J. Dillon is doubtful to play Sunday in Dallas, but Wilson and Patrick Taylor are both healthy behind starter Aaron Jones at running back.
Behind Alexander at cornerback, the Packers have Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, Corey Ballentine and Robert Rochell on the 53-man roster. Zyon Gilbert and Anthony Johnson are first-year cornerbacks on the practice squad. Long is now the most experienced practice squad option.
The Packers will announce practice squad elevations on Saturday. If Long is to be available Sunday, he’ll first be elevated Saturday.
