The Green Bay Packers elevated running back Patrick Taylor and defensive back Innis Gaines from the practice squad to the gameday roster for Week 1. The move was announced Saturday, making Taylor and Gaines available for Matt LaFleur and the Packers for Sunday’s showdown with the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field.
The elevation is the first of up to three for both players. Last season, Taylor was elevated from the practice squad the maximum three times, while Gaines was elevated twice. Both were eventually signed to the 53-man roster.
Buy Packers TicketsTaylor and Gaines will be special teams contributors for Rich Bisaccia on Sunday against the Bears.
Both players were released during final roster cutdowns but re-signed to the practice squad.
Taylor gives the Packers depth at running back, making it possible rookie Emanuel Wilson will be a gameday inactive on Sunday. Gaines can play slot cornerback and safety and may take the gameday roster spot of rookie Anthony Johnson Jr., who is dealing with a knee injury and could be an inactive.
Of note, the Packers did not elevate a wide receiver (Bo Melton or Grant DuBose) despite not having Christian Watson available. The move (or lack thereof) suggests Romeo Doubs will play against the Bears.
All teams are allowed to elevate up to two players from the practice squad each week. An individual player can only be elevated from the practice squad three times per season, so Taylor and Gaines now have two more elevation available this season. On Monday, both will revert back to the practice squad.
Elevations by week
Week 1: RB Patrick Taylor, DB Innis Gaines
