Packers Reportedly Add Running Back Darius Jackson

The Green Bay Packers have reportedly added running back Darius Jackson to their active roster.  This from Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram:

Jackson was drafted in the sixth round of the 2016 draft by the Dallas Cowboys.  He ran a 4.35 40-yard dash at the Combine and a 4.38 at his Pro Day at Eastern Michigan.

Jackson has spent the last two seasons battling injuries and bouncing between the Cowboys and Cleveland Browns on the practice squad.  He fills out the Packers roster and holds the spot vacated by suspended running back Aaron Jones.

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Jason is a freelance writer on staff since 2012 and also co-hosts Cheesehead TV Live, Pulse of the Pack and Pack A Day podcasts.  You can follow him on Twitter here

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Comments (86)

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Bure9620's picture

September 03, 2018 at 11:17 am

He got speed.

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Coldworld's picture

September 03, 2018 at 11:21 am

Beat Scarborough for their PS. Not a boring pickup. Not experienced in games though and don’t know if he can block.

6 ft, 228 pounds or so.

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Bure9620's picture

September 03, 2018 at 11:32 am

I'm sure he can't block, Williams will be in pass pro anyway.

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carlos's picture

September 03, 2018 at 06:13 pm

Probably not much of a blocker with his inexperience. Very fast for his size. Needs to be healthy. Could use his speed.

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TKWorldWide's picture

September 03, 2018 at 11:28 am

Big: check
Fast: check
Instincts, pass blocking, receiving, ball security, durability: I dunno

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Rak43's picture

September 04, 2018 at 12:34 am

Blocking is considered a forte of his from what I've read. He is supposed to be a much better blocker than Monty.

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DraftHobbyist's picture

September 03, 2018 at 01:51 pm

"Of course, the Cowboys could just roll into the season with four running backs; it all depends on what Dallas wants to accomplish with their roster construction."

And we started the 53 off with 2 HB's and no FB's. lol

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Spock's picture

September 04, 2018 at 09:04 am

Thanks for the link!

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Skip greenBayless's picture

September 03, 2018 at 11:28 am

Gutey seems to have a need for speed. Ty Montgomery is on official alert with this move. He's sending a message. Here's wishing to good heath with all our running backs this season. Just stay away from the weed please. No more stupid decisions.

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Coldworld's picture

September 03, 2018 at 11:31 am

According to what I am reading he is a returner too.

Could Davis be on the way out and this be a longer term addition?

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Skip greenBayless's picture

September 03, 2018 at 11:35 am

You could be right Coldworld. This move definitely affects Montgomery and Davis as you said. I didn't know he was also a returner. That could solve two positions and allow Gutey to release/trade one or both and use the spot for help some place else. As long as they keep Boyle I'm happy. lol

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Turophile's picture

September 04, 2018 at 04:35 am

You echoed my thoughts, Coldworld. Rumour is that current returner Davis was being shopped, so Jackson might be viewed as the new returner.

If that were the case and Davis was waived in the near future, it would also ease the overcrowded log jam at WR, and round out the RB room.

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carlos's picture

September 03, 2018 at 06:21 pm

Interesting thoughts by everyone. Gute keeps us all thinking. I like that and also Gutes quest for speed.

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Grandfathered's picture

September 03, 2018 at 03:40 pm

I think Montgomery has larger role than most assume. I doubt he's on the block. I just don't think you give up on a guy who can run after a catch out of the backfield like he can.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

September 03, 2018 at 04:08 pm

Grandfathered, I think most here believe Ty Montgomery has a very large role on this team in many different ways. The problem is he seems to get injured a lot so with the NFL being a business of winning, you have to move on at some point if you are paying a player to never actually play and replace that player with someone who can. Ty is not at that point yet but I have a feeling if he gets hurt again Gutey just might pull the trigger and end it. Nobody at all is saying he's on the block. I just said he would have been my dark horse candidate to get cut based on his lack of availability the past two years.

As you can see though, Gutey is now making deals for another running back. Ty is officially a rb and Jones and Williams aren't going any where anytime soon. That to me says Ty better be on alert.

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carlos's picture

September 03, 2018 at 06:25 pm

It seems he doesn’t play long before he gets hurt. I’m hoping he stays healthy because I love what he can bring to the Green Bay Packers.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

September 03, 2018 at 06:39 pm

We're all praying Carlos. He just became a father earlier this year so he has a lot on the plate this season.

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4thand10's picture

September 03, 2018 at 04:50 pm

IDK, he can be an explosive player when he is not injured...and that’s been the deal during monty’s entire career. Monty also muffed a punt return during preseason if I remember correctly. He seemed like he would be a good slot receiver, but then they moved him to RB and he just can’t stay healthy at that position it seems. In the same breath, I’m not sure he could stay healthy as if he was back at WR. Maybe THIS is his year to play a full season.....but I wouldn’t bet on that.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

September 03, 2018 at 06:37 pm

I agree with everything you said. I also wouldn't bet on him playing a full season. Gutey probably doesn't believe it either.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

September 03, 2018 at 03:50 pm

Wow, tough crowd. I know Gutey has a need for speed. What I didn't know was how many people here have the need for weed. Amazing.

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TKWorldWide's picture

September 03, 2018 at 05:37 pm

I resemble that remark.

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

September 03, 2018 at 11:29 am

Excellent choice. Big, fast guy with hands and no instincts. Perfect special teams gunner and emergency backup halfback.

It's clear--very, very clear--that Gute's #1 priority this offseason has been improving the awful athleticism of TT's roster.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 03, 2018 at 11:32 am

Thankfully most of the Size/Speed exceptions are gone now.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

September 03, 2018 at 11:41 am

The crazy thing about this roster is all the "speed" especially at receiver where we need it the most is at the bottom tiers not the top. Adams, Cobb and Geronimo have to be the slowest group of receivers in the NFL as your top three. At some point they need to turn that around. Adams is here long term but at some point Cobb and Geronimo need to be replaced with more speed. MVS I see as one guy they need to get on the field as much as possible. The current receiver speed is not good in my opinion.

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

September 03, 2018 at 12:14 pm

That's okay, it's a process. The young guys are the fast ones, which bodes well for next season.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

September 03, 2018 at 12:33 pm

Yeah, I know. Another year and they'll have all the speed they need at receiver. Besides, unless you are Greg Jennings, Rodgers hates rookie receivers as they hurt his stats because he doesn't trust them. Just ask Boyle how Sha'Mon Moore hurt his preseason stats. About the only rookie guy Rodgers would use with confidence (Kumerow) is hurt. Go figure.

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TKWorldWide's picture

September 03, 2018 at 12:50 pm

And Kumerow isn’t really a rookie.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

September 03, 2018 at 01:23 pm

Yeah, I was waiting for someone to say that. We'll he's green. Same thing in my book.

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TKWorldWide's picture

September 03, 2018 at 05:38 pm

It’s not easy being green.

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Oppy's picture

September 03, 2018 at 10:18 pm

Lack of vision doesn't help the case for STs play, though, and that was supposedly one of the knocks on him coming into the league.

The ST angle people are taking seems unlikely to me for a few reasons, not the least of which is I can't find any evidence that during the two training camps he was healthy so far in his career, he doesn't seem to have ever fielded a punt or kick, and he has zero tackles which would help indicate Dallas was trying him out on coverage units. I would also assume if you had a rookie RB on your 53 man roster who could be a weapon on ST's, you might suit him up and play him at least a game or two to see what you've got. He was never activated while on the Cowboys final roster in 2016.

Never know, but I think this is just a guy the Packers were intrigued with in 2016 when they saw the pro day results, and since we need a body for two weeks, it was a good opportunity to kick the tires.

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Andrew Lloyd Peth's picture

September 04, 2018 at 07:44 am

It all depends on his role. Dallas isn't a team entirely bereft of speed like we've been, and he probably just wasn't a major factor in their gunner plans.

For us, adding more big fast guys can only help our special teams--different teams, different needs, different roles.

Gute clearly sees the roster this way, and is acting accordingly. Well done, Gute.

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PackfanNY's picture

September 03, 2018 at 11:44 am

I guess we have to trust Gute here. Guy did not make Cowboys. Probably think they can develop him. Unless Williams or Ty get hurt I don't think he plays. After 2 weeks, when Jones returns he is likely cut or back to practice squad. Hard to get excited one way or the other with this one.

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carusotrap's picture

September 03, 2018 at 02:22 pm

Let him break just one kickoff return past the 40, and it'll be Davis who is gone.

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croatpackfan's picture

September 04, 2018 at 06:28 am

And you'll let Davis and then he will muffed 3 KR and you'll first cry for Davis, claiming that you were never against him!

Again, lat the people who knows their jobs do that for our entertainment and pleasure...

I read the article about Jackson from Dallas reporter - you have link jeremyjjbrown posted few posts earlier. You'll find out that Dallas never tried him as KR or PR!

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Broehl84's picture

September 03, 2018 at 11:46 am

Does anyone have Jackson's preseason stats?

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Qoojo's picture

September 03, 2018 at 12:02 pm

Per Packersnews.com: "Jackson, 24, played in just one preseason game, carrying five times for one yard and catching one pass for six yards in the Cowboys’ preseason finale against the Houston Texans."

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PackfanNY's picture

September 03, 2018 at 12:05 pm

All I see is 5 carries for 1 yard and 1 reception for 6 yards on NFL.com. Only preseason game I see is 8/30 vs Texans.

http://www.nfl.com/player/dariusjackson/2556273/gamelogs

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TKWorldWide's picture

September 03, 2018 at 05:43 pm

Hmmm....since I’m a burgeoning sabermetrician, my mathematical analysis leads me to believe that it would only take 50 carries to get a first down. Talk about chewing up the clock and winning the time of possession game! It harkens back to the late stages of Ottis Anderson and the New York Giants.

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Coldworld's picture

September 03, 2018 at 09:14 pm

Would have fitted in well with most of our preseason efforts then.

From what I have read, this guy has potential if he can stay healthy. Fast, one cut runner. More a speed merchant than a pounder. Has natural hands.

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Since'61's picture

September 03, 2018 at 11:55 am

As with Toomer can we reasonably expect Jackson to be any better than the RBs we have released? Having asked that It is good to see Gute churning the bottom of the roster in his on going attempt to improve the team.

Jackson may just be here until Jones returns or he may stick and actually make a contribution. Time will tell.
Thanks, Since ‘61

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Coldworld's picture

September 03, 2018 at 12:32 pm

The Cowboys fans seemed to think so. He was expected to make the team as the 3rd RB. In the end they kept 2.

This guy made the team in 16, got cut late in season to bring back MacFadden. Claimed on waivers by the Browns, IR due to injury and then resigned by Dallas. They knew what they had from him. Poached by us from their PS.

I did not see much in our preseason crew. World beater? Unlikely but upgrade perhaps, especially if he is indeed a returner/gunner.

Toomer also potentially improves us behind Burks as well as STs. I am quite impressed with these two last minute salvages by Gute.

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carlos's picture

September 03, 2018 at 06:35 pm

Maybe long enough for a cup of coffee.

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sonomaca's picture

September 03, 2018 at 11:55 am

Getting thin at corner now. You pay a price for seven receivers, four TE’s, and 3 QB’s.

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Coldworld's picture

September 03, 2018 at 12:33 pm

Not for game 1 and are corners on the PS.

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sonomaca's picture

September 03, 2018 at 11:59 am

BTW, Kumerow’s unnecessay endzone theatrics earn him this year's Darwin football award. He’d better hope someone else stinks up the joint (or gets hurt, although no one ever hopes for that).

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Coldworld's picture

September 03, 2018 at 12:35 pm

He wasn’t grandstanding, was tripped. That’s becoming an urban myth he doesn’t need. Enough prima donnas in football. This kid isn’t one of them and doesn’t need the false rep.

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NJMagic's picture

September 03, 2018 at 02:32 pm

Is that official? I've watched that replay ten times and can't tell if it was (a) a trip, (b) a dive because he thought he was about to be caught at the 1, or (c) youthful (syn. stupid) exuberance.

Would love it to be a or b.
I'm actually ok with c too- he learned his lesson for sure.

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ottscay's picture

September 03, 2018 at 02:48 pm

I thought he was tripped at first, but repeated viewings and other angles sure made it look to me like he wasn't touched and was just hotdogging.

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TKWorldWide's picture

September 03, 2018 at 05:45 pm

Colddogging>hotdogging.

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Skip greenBayless's picture

September 03, 2018 at 06:52 pm

I always thought he was just diving in to make sure he wasn't caught. You could see that defender coming on strong and Kumerow was running out of gas at the very end. I took it as a strict dive to make sure he got in. I never once thought he was hot dogging. Either way, it sucks he hurt his shoulder because he probably would be our 3rd best receiver going into Chi. Oh well, at least he's not out for the year.

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Tom Legener's picture

September 04, 2018 at 01:43 am

All right, I'll go out and say it. He isn't hurt. He was told that "He was hurt."

He wasn't eligible for the PS and Aaron gave him his blessing, but the team needed a way to stash him away.
Under this tin-foil hat theory, once a receiver goes down (which is inevitable) they bring him back mid-season and he becomes Jeff Janis vs. the Cards.

That's my theory, and I"m sticking to it.

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Archie's picture

September 03, 2018 at 12:00 pm

If Gute loves size/speed so much, it must have killed him to pass on Mack. It was his chance to have a Reggie White moment. That said, I'm excited to see what Reggie Gilbert looks like with real bullets. Maybe he is Kahlil Mac 2.0.

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Qoojo's picture

September 03, 2018 at 12:05 pm

It was the bears sucking that probably tipped the trade in their favor because it's almost guaranteed that 2 Bears' 1st round picks are worth a lot more than the packers' and saints' 1st round picks.

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Coldworld's picture

September 03, 2018 at 12:38 pm

These non QB contracts are getting well out of hand.

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Demon's picture

September 03, 2018 at 01:03 pm

You dont think QB contracts are getting out of hand too?

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Coldworld's picture

September 03, 2018 at 01:24 pm

Have been for a while, but one truly elite QB can arguably carry a team or make a decent one a contender. I really struggle to see how one truly elite position player can do so to the same extent reflected in the recent contracts for Penn and Mack.

Moreover, how do teams retain an elite player they have drafted when their expectations reach this height? Can only teams with rookie QBs afford elite vets? What happens if a team like Chicago needs to pay its QB too, or to replace him with no drafted apprentice apparent? Trubisky’s contract expires before Mack’s for example.

Not sure this is sustainable. Not sure it is good for most players or teams. I did have concerns on QB pay trends (especially with some of the QBs getting mega deals recently who don’t seem headed to Canton). There is, however, only one franchise QB.

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Jonathan Spader's picture

September 03, 2018 at 01:09 pm

Mack made thr right choice joining the Bears. He got a HUGE contract and gets January and February off. The Packers just couldn't match that.

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Bert's picture

September 03, 2018 at 01:29 pm

LOL!!

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TheBigCheeze's picture

September 03, 2018 at 01:55 pm

.....LOL!!!!.....good one, Jonathan......

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4thand10's picture

September 03, 2018 at 04:56 pm

I like that JS!!

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Bure9620's picture

September 03, 2018 at 05:09 pm

Nice

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carlos's picture

September 03, 2018 at 06:44 pm

Love the posts, but on a realistic note the Bears are putting together a good football team. I think they have the coach and putting together an awesome roster. All hinges on their QB. They may need another year or two, but then again, they could be scary to us Packer fans.

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jeremyjjbrown's picture

September 03, 2018 at 03:36 pm

Or he was just driving the price up on the Bears. He'll never say.

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Jonathan Spader's picture

September 04, 2018 at 09:58 am

I don't think he was just driving up the price. It was a legitimate shot to get a blue chip player we could use. Just like Gute trying to grab Fuller. In both cases Gute made the Bears pay more. Love Gute's aggressiveness and making the Bears overpay.

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Packer Dave's picture

September 03, 2018 at 12:07 pm

4.3 @ 230 lbs? Yes please. Hope he can hang on to the ball...

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Community Guy's picture

September 03, 2018 at 12:24 pm

i remember couch-scouting this guy ever since his big pro day.. his college tape showed a low pad level and burst in the open field.. i am unsure about his instincts between the tackles. i can totally see him being used to return kickoffs.

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BradHTX's picture

September 03, 2018 at 03:22 pm

Well, as long as his pad level is correct... He’s sure to be next man up. I mean, after we watch the tape and iron out a few wrinkles.

Definitely McCarthy’s kinda guy!

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TKWorldWide's picture

September 03, 2018 at 05:47 pm

Masterful.
You’re hitting your targets, stacking success, and you’re on a good path!

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Spock's picture

September 04, 2018 at 09:16 am

You had me at "low pad level".

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TKWorldWide's picture

September 05, 2018 at 06:53 am

Me too!

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scottk029's picture

September 03, 2018 at 12:33 pm

Cowboys website lists his 2018 preseason stats.
21 carries, 72 yards, 3.43 average, 10 reception for 70 yards.

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Coldworld's picture

September 03, 2018 at 01:01 pm

Toomer was in town for practice today. Looks like we know the answer to Thomas not being signed.

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cnordeen's picture

September 03, 2018 at 01:25 pm

I gotta say, though, that I appreciate a roster where they add in depth veterans versus the udrafted free agent that realistically can’t help the team. These moves aren’t splashy, but hopefully these are players that know the pro aspect of the nfl and, in a pinch, play a few downs and not be over their heads.

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CheesyTex's picture

September 03, 2018 at 03:58 pm

Yes, and hopefully can make an immediate impact on special teams while they learn the playbook.

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Daren726's picture

September 03, 2018 at 02:09 pm

Still a spot or two open on the practice squad....

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Lare's picture

September 03, 2018 at 02:21 pm

I believe the practice squad is now full.

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cheesehead1's picture

September 03, 2018 at 02:33 pm

Agree with Coldworld. An elite QB like Rodgers can get us into the playoffs and possibly further, but he can only do so much. It’s very much a team game and it’s time for this D to step up big time. Looking forward to see Pettine’s D in action against a top NFL offense. In the past we were pretty good against average offenses, but once we came up against the better ones, we were exposed to say the least.

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Coldworld's picture

September 03, 2018 at 04:14 pm

Athleticism doesn’t make a star, but it sure should help with the marginal section of the backend of the roster. Even if we don’t hit it big with a phenomenal athlete, speed can make up for a lot of sins in most positions and helps special teams significantly.

Got to feel that this is a good trend.

On that note, the new PS player Brown is one heck of an athlete who maybe needs to mature a little. Seems to be a nickel/dime/safety type with 4.3 speed and 20 reps on the bench press. Wonder how the Packers will use him. Came from the Chargers who have a very strong CB stable.

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Bure9620's picture

September 03, 2018 at 05:14 pm

Like the speed but that does not make the back. Knile Davis is a 4.31 burner and really can't stay on a roster anywhere, he was with us for a week and a half??? Maybe Jackson can play teams??? If not, he's released week 3 for A-Jo. Just made up that nickname, isn't it awesome?

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TALLTEXN's picture

September 03, 2018 at 07:07 pm

Just to fill in until Jones comes back.

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Oppy's picture

September 03, 2018 at 10:07 pm

100% agree.

People are losing their perspective really quick.

His NFL draft/combine profile is pretty clear- football instincts "well below average", "lack of vision", "the tape doesn't come close to the pro day performance", etc etc etc. Not that those profiles are gospel, but it gives you a snap shot.

Packers need body at RB for two weeks, kick tires. Wish him the best, but I think Packers fans are getting into wishful thinking.

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Coldworld's picture

September 04, 2018 at 05:56 am

I think it is the ST potential to which I was referring. That will be the decider.

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Samson's picture

September 03, 2018 at 09:56 pm

Why not bring him in? --- As Chris Berman would say --- " he could go all the way" --- or he could be gone in a couple of weeks.

Nice speed but .... 3 teams in less than a year ... injuries are one thing but ....

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Donster's picture

September 04, 2018 at 06:48 am

Jackson is a two week insurance policy, an emergency RB, no more. If he gets on the field in other than special teams, I will be surprised. He will not return punts since they kept Davis. Covering punts and kick offs will be the most action he will see. Because if he was a above average back, he would be on another teams roster from the get go.

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LambeauPlain's picture

September 04, 2018 at 07:37 am

Kid has amazing athletic ability and really has not played in the NFL regular season yet.

Cowboys drafted him, cut him, signed him again and then cut him again Sunday and tried to stash him on their PS. They see something they like.

Gute did too and picked their pocket for an insurance policy.

Maybe the Pack sees enough in the next two weeks on STs he sticks around or at least let him know once Jones returns they'd like him on THEIR PS and see if he develops in GB.

He did run for almost 1,100 yards and catch 20 passes as a senior in college...so he has some "can do".

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