Veteran running back Kenyan Drake signs with Packers’ practice squad

The Packers bring aboard the eighth-year tailback in hopes of adding a layer of speed and veteran savvy to their backfield.

The Green Bay Packers are adding an intriguing combination of experience and speed to their backfield.

Veteran tailback Kenyan Drake, who has played for three other teams this season, has been signed to the Packers’ practice squad. He takes the place of James Robinson, who rushed once for two yards in Sunday night’s win over the visiting Kansas City Chiefs.

The Packers’ backfield has been staring into the face of uncertainty for much of the season. Aaron Jones missed multiple games with a hamstring injury before returning to the lineup, but evidently not at full capacity. He sustained an MCL sprain in the Packers’ win against the Los Angeles Chargers after carrying the ball just four times; he’s been shelved ever since and has now missed the last two games.

Drake’s arrival could certainly foreshadow Jones continuing to miss an extended amount of time, or the Packers could simply be looking to add another layer of speed to their offense. As of right now, their backfield doesn’t have a lot of it.

AJ Dillon has been shouldering the load in Jones’ absence and as the temperature has dropped, the former second-round pick has begun to heat up. Dillon has totaled 168 yards from scrimmage over his last two games. The hope is that the infusion of the savvy 29-year-old could potentially alleviate some of the pressure on Dillon’s shoulders.

“I could feel the energy around the building today,” Drake told CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson. “It was legendary, and you can feel the legacy and bright future they have. I’m excited to get to work to help them take that next step towards the ultimate goal.”

It’s unclear just what kind of role Drake is going to have considering the Packers already have Patrick Taylor Jr. on their active roster. Head coach Matt LaFleur has instilled trust in Taylor through the years — he’s been the team’s go-to third-down running back due to his ability to efficiently protect in obvious passing situations.

A former third-round pick of the Miami Dolphins, Drake spent the entire duration of his rookie contract there before spending another couple of seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. Ever since, Drake has yet to truly find stability and has become something of a journeyman, spending time with the Las Vegas Raiders, Baltimore Ravens, Indianapolis Colts and Cleveland Browns. The Alabama product has rushed 868 times for 3,866 yards and 33 touchdowns throughout an eight-year career. His speed has also reinforced his presence as a dynamic threat out of the backfield. He’s tallied 218 receptions and amassed 1,655 yards, adding another eight touchdowns to his total.

Drake has eight 100-yard performances in his career with the most recent in an Oct. 16 clash with the New York Giants last season.

The Packers also claimed cornerback David Long Jr. off of waivers from the Carolina Panthers on Tuesday. He takes the final spot on the 53-man roster.

If the Packers wanted Drake available for Monday night’s primetime bout with the New York Giants, they’d have to either elevate him for gameday or promote him.

Zachary Jacobson is the Editor-in-Chief of Packer Report. He is entering his ninth season covering the Green Bay Packers. He is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. Follow him on Twitter @itszacharyj or contact him via email at itszachariahj@gmail.com

Browns Still Control Their Own Destiny for a Playoff Berth, but Why the Window for Control is Soon Closing

Cleveland Browns need to take steps to not allow themselves to be dependent on getting outside help to get into the playoffs.

BEREA, Ohio — With five games to play in the regular season, the Cleveland Browns still control their own destiny, in terms of a trip to the postseason. The Browns have five games, including three at Cleveland Browns Stadium where they are 5-1. The Browns host the Jaguars and the Bears the next two Sundays and those two games could go a long way in determining the team’s fate.

The Browns’ third remaining game at home is against the Jets. Winning the three games at home would likely be enough to make the postseason.

The Greetham Angle wrote on Nov. 2, before the five-game stretch the Browns just finished with a 36-19 loss to the Rams, that if the Browns came out of those five games, 4-1 or 3-2, they would be in good position for the home stretch.

“The Browns have the defense and special teams to win games that they should win. Browns fans know that this isn’t always the case, but winning four of the next five games would get the Browns to 8-4 with the final five games of the regular season in play for the stretch run. Even 3-2 would put them at 7-5 for the stretch.

“As of now, those final five opponents are the Jaguars (6-2), Bears (2-6), Texans (3-4), Jets (4-3) and the Bengals (4-3). The Browns host the Jaguars, Bears, and Jets. Winning three of those final five games would get the Browns to 10 or even 11 wins.”

When the season is over, four of the playoff spots will go to the division winners. Currently, the Dolphins (9-3), Jaguars (8-4), Ravens (9-3), and Chiefs (8-4) are sitting in those four spots. The Browns, Steelers, Texans, and the Colts are all 7-5. The Bills, Bengals, and Broncos are sitting at 6-6.

Currently, the Browns own the second, wild card position (sixth-seed) behind the Steelers and ahead of the Colts. The Steelers have the tie-breaker over the Browns, while the Browns have it over the Colts.