Packers’ decisions speak volumes and make it clear what their intentions are
Pierre Strong Jr. and Jamon Dumas-Johnson have been elevated for gameday to play against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 12.
The Green Bay Packers have some questions to answer ahead of the Minnesota Vikings game on Sunday, but some clear indications have been given on Saturday. The team has elevated running back Pierre Strong Jr. and linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson from the practice squad for gameday, an indication that starters Josh Jacobs (questionable) and Quay Walker (doubtful) won’t be available to play.
This is the second elevation for the season for Pierre Strong, a former fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots — he’s also played for the Cleveland Browns. Strong has been with the Packers since September and was elevated for the Arizona Cardinals game in Week 7, but didn’t play a single snap.
Meanwhile, Dumas-Johnson is an undrafted rookie. This would be his first NFL regular season game. He played three seasons at Georgia before transferring to Kentucky for his final college season in 2024.
Josh Jacobs suffered a knee injury against the New York Giants. While he’s day-to-day and there’s a chance he plays, the Packers are being extra cautious to have depth at the position. The other two RBs on the 53-man roster are Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks. Jacobs indicated that, even if he can’t play on Sunday, he will be available on Thursday against the Detroit Lions. Quay Walker has a neck injury and is highly unlikely to play.
NFL practice squad rules
The NFL increased the practice squad size during COVID-19 and kept some of the adjusted rules. Of the 16 players, 10 must have up to two accrued seasons, while the other six have no restrictions. There’s also an extra spot for a player with an International Pathway Program exemption, which Green Bay is using for English defensive tackle Dante Barnett.
Throughout the season, teams can elevate practice squad players for gameday. Each player can be elevated three times for the same team without being a member of the active 53-man roster. After the game, the player reverts to the PS.
Practice squad elevations in 2025
Arron Mosby — 3
Pierre Strong Jr. — 2
Micah Robinson — 2
Kristian Welch — 1
Brant Banks — 1
Lecitus Smith — 1
Jamon Dumas-Johnson — 1
Packers’ practice squad
S Johnathan Baldwin
LT Brant Banks
TE McCallan Castles
T Dalton Cooper
TE Drake Dabney
LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson
DT James Ester
CB Tyron Herring
WR Jakobie Keeney-James
WR Isaiah Neyor
WR Will Sheppard
S Jaylin Simpson
IOL Lecitus Smith
RB Pierre Strong Jr.
QB Clayton Tune
WR Michael Woods II
DT Dante Barnett (IPP)
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