With two roster spots unexpectedly open, the Green Bay Packers signed cornerback Robert Rochell from the practice squad to the 53-man roster on Saturday.
Rochell has played in four games for the Packers this season, including three as a practice squad elevation. He was out of elevations, so the Packers needed to sign him to the active roster for him to play again in Green Bay this season.
The move is a potential boost to the special teams. A veteran special teamer, Rochell was on the field for 49 special teams snaps in his four games earlier this season. He played 20 snaps covering kickoffs, 14 covering punts, 13 blocking for punt returns and two blocking for kickoff returns. Rochell produced one tackle and drew a holding penalty while also missing a tackle and committing a holding penalty.
It’s unclear if Rochell’s signing has anything to do with the injury status of cornerback Jaire Alexander, who is questionable to play Sunday against the Chicago Bears with a knee injury. Corey Ballentine is healthy after previously dealing with an ankle injury, suggesting the depth at cornerback is fine entering Sunday and Rochell’s signing has more to do with the special teams.
The Packers had a pair of roster spots to fill, although certainly not by plan. First-round pick Jordan Morgan injured his shoulder during practice this week and went on injured reserve on Saturday, while third-round pick MarShawn Lloyd — who was already designated for return from injured reserve — needed surgery to correct appendicitis on Friday and is out indefinitely.
The open roster spot created by trading Preston Smith at the deadline looked destined to go to Lloyd, who practiced on Wednesday and Thursday and could have been officially activated on Saturday. Instead, Lloyd remains on injured reserve and Morgan joined him, providing an opportunity for Rochell to re-join the 53-man roster.
The Packers signed Rochell to the roster on Oct. 5 before playing the Los Angeles Rams on Oct. 6. He was released on Oct. 7 and re-signed to the practice squad on Oct. 9.