The Green Bay Packers officially added running back Pierre Strong Jr. to their active roster Thursday, and it’s a huge signal for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears. This move strongly suggests that Chris Brooks is likely going to miss Week 5.
Brooks’ Injury and Strong’s Stepping Up
Brooks has been sidelined with an ankle injury he picked up back in Week 4, and he hasn’t been back on the practice field since. Head coach Matt LaFleur told reporters in his pre-practice press conference that they’d give Brooks another day to see how he felt, but let’s be real, signing Strong from the practice squad screams that Brooks won’t be suiting up. Strong might not have played a regular-season snap for Green Bay in his two years with the team, but he was activated last year when injuries hit. He’s now looking like the guy who will back up MarShawn Lloyd and Kaleb Johnson in the running back rotation. Plus, he’s a prime candidate to step into Brooks’ shoes on special teams.
Special Teams Impact and Roster Shuffle
This special teams role is pretty significant, too. Brooks has already logged 29 snaps there, just a few less than kicker Trey Smack, so that’s a hole to fill. Johnson has only played three special teams snaps this season (all on kickoffs), and Lloyd hasn’t seen any action there at all. So Strong’s activation isn’t just about offensive depth, it’s about covering that crucial third phase of the game. With Strong now on the 53-man roster, and Damon Bankston having joined the practice squad earlier this week (along with linebacker Jack Dingle), the Packers’ entire 53-man roster and practice squad are officially full.
What does this mean for Sunday? The Packers are facing the Chicago Bears, and they’ll need their running back unit and special teams to be sharp. Keep an eye on how Strong steps up and handles the pressure. This could be his moment to prove he belongs.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Acme Packing Company.
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