On October 17, the Green Bay Packers signed running back James Robinson to the practice squad. The team also released cornerback Kiondre Thomas, replacing him with cornerback Anthony Jonhson.
James Robinson is a former undrafted free agent out of Illinois State, who signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020. Robinson had an excellent rookie season, posting 1414 yards and 10 touchdowns from scrimmage. Robinson set the record for most scrimmage yards by a rookie free agent in NFL history.
Robison’s 2021 season was cut short in a week 16 matchup against the New York Jets. In the first quarter of that game, Robinson suffered a torn Achilles tendon. Robinson finished the year with 989 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns through 14 games.
In 2022, 2021 first-round running back Travis Etienne Jr emerged as the lead back in Jacksonville. Due to this, Robinson’s production declined, posting 386 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns through seven games.
Following injury to Jets’ rookie running back Breece Hall, Robinson was traded to the New York Jets for a conditional sixth-round pick. Robinson only played four games with the Jets, recording a mere 90 scrimmage yards and one touchdown.Â
Robinson left in free agency to sign a two-year deal with the Patriots earlier this year, but health concerns and an inability to stay on the field during offseason work led to his waiving three months later. Following his release, Evan Lazar of the Patriots’ team website noted a noticeable “lack of explosiveness” out of Robinson in the practices he did partake in.
This signing indicates Aaron Jones’ hamstring injury may still be lingering. With AJ Dillon underperforming in his place, signing Robinson to the practice squad could be nothing more than an insurance option. Robinson’s injury is notable and it is unlikely he sees much playing time, barring any further injury issues with the running back room.
Robinson will wear number 24 for the Packers.
Anthony Johnson, not to be confused with Packers rookie safety Anthony Johnson Jr, is an undrafted rookie cornerback out of the University of Virginia. Johnson was originally signed by the New Orleans Saints in May, but was released following training camp. In a subsequent move, the Packers released cornerback Kiondre Thomas.
Johnson will wear number 30 for the Packers.
Fun Trivia Info
- The most notable former Packer to wear number 24 is HOF defensive back Willie Wood, who played from 1960 to 1971.Â
- Notable former Packers to wear number 30 include fullback John Kuhn, running back Jamaal Williams, and four-time pro bowl running back Ahman Green.
