The Green Bay Packers elevated running back Kenyan Drake and receiver Bo Melton from the practice squad to the gameday roster for Week 15. The move was announced Saturday, making Drake available for Matt LaFleur and the Packers for Sunday’s showdown with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lambeau Field.
Drake was elevated from the practice squad last week in New York but did not appear in the game. The eighth-year pro signed with the Packers on Dec. 5 and will once again provide a veteran option at running back, where the team is dealing with injuries to both Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. Jones has missed three straight ga but is planning to return Sunday, while Dillon has a broken thumb. Both are questionable to play.
Drake has 868 career rushes and 218 career catches over 103 regular-season games with four different teams.
While with the Ravens last year, Drake rushed for 62 yards and caught a touchdown pass in a win over the Buccaneers.
Melton, who signed to the active roster before the Packers beat the Lions on Thanksgiving, provides much-needed depth at wide receiver. Dontayvion Wicks is questionable, Christian Watson is doubtful and Jayden Reed is dealing with an ankle injury.
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 Drake has one elevation remaining. Melton has two more. On Monday, Drake and Melton will revert back to the practice squad.
Elevations by week
Week 1: RB Patrick Taylor, DB Innis Gaines
Week 2: RB Patrick Taylor, DB Innis Gaines
Week 3: RB Patrick Taylor, CB Corey Ballentine
Week 4: CB Corey Ballentine, CB Kiondre Thomas
Week 5: CB Corey Ballentine
Week 7: None
Week 8: None
Week 9: DB Innis Gaines
Week 10: None
Week 11: S Benny Sapp III
Week 12: S Benny Sapp III, FB Henry Pearson
Week 13: RB James Robinson, FB Henry Pearson
Week 14: RB Kenyan Drake
Week 15: RB Kenyan Drake, WR Bo Melton
