The Green Bay Packers’ running back position has been a revolving door this season due to widespread injury issues, which the organization attempted to address once more on Tuesday.
Kenyan Drake, who was most recently a member of the Cleveland Browns practice squad, posted a photo to his X account on December 5 that featured a Green Bay color scheme and the classic Packers “G.” There was also a caption.
“Good afternoon, #32 Kenyan Drake,” read the caption.Those in the NFL, including ESPN’s Field Yates, interpreted Drake’s message as a clear indication that he was signing with the Packers. Yates and the others were correct, which Drake later confirmed publicly.
“I could feel the energy around the building today,” Drake said, according to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson. “It was legendary, and you can sense their legacy and bright future.” I’m eager to get started and assist them in taking the next step toward their ultimate goal.”
Kenyan Drake Has Produced Significantly at Several NFL Stops
Drake has moved around the league since the Miami Dolphins selected him in the third round (73rd overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft out of Alabama. Drake has been an effective rusher despite playing at least one regular-season snap for four different teams this season, including stints on the Browns’ and Indianapolis Colts’ practice squads.
He played in two games for the Baltimore Ravens this season after appearing in 12 games the previous year. Drake signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders in March 2021. Drake has also appeared in games for the Arizona Cardinals.
In total, the 29-year-old running back has appeared in 103 games during his eight-year professional career, starting 44 of them. According to Pro Football Reference, he has 3,866 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns on 868 carries. Drake also has 218 receptions for 1,655 yards and 8 touchdowns.
As Aaron Jones recovers from an injury, Kenyan Drake lends his support to AJ Dillon.
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Drake joins a running back room currently led by career backup AJ Dillon. In the absence of starter Aaron Jones, who has missed the previous two games due to a knee injury after missing multiple games earlier this season due to a strained hamstring, Dillon has taken on the lion’s share of the workload.
Dillon carried the ball 18 times for 73 yards in the Packers’ Sunday Night Football victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Backup running backs Patrick Taylor and James Robinson also saw action, with Taylor gaining 29 yards on two carries and Robinson gaining 2 yards on one.
The Packers (6-6) have won three straight games and re-entered the NFC playoff picture, largely due to the strength of quarterback Jordan Love’s arm. With Christian Watson’s injury on Sunday, Green Bay may need to rely more heavily on the run game to supplement its offensive production through the air.
If that is the case, the Drake signing could have significant implications for the Packers down the stretch.
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