CB David Long Jr. has been added to the practice squad by the Green Bay Packers, while RB Kenyan Drake has been released. Brian Gutekunst, general manager, disclosed the deals on Friday.
University of Michigan product Long Jr. (5-11, 196), a fifth-year player, is back with the Packers. After being claimed off waivers by the Green Bay Packers on December 5, he appeared in three games for the Panthers. The Los Angeles Rams originally selected Long in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft (with pick No. 79 overall).
Before signing an offseason contract to play for the Las Vegas Raiders, he spent four seasons with the Rams (2019–22). Before being cut on November 2, Long participated in eight games with the Raiders this season, making one start. After that, Carolina grabbed him, and he made three appearances with one start there.
In 66 regular-season games during his career, he has made 12 starts, totaling 94 tackles (81 solo), an interception, eight passes defensed, and two special teams tackles. For the Rams in 2020–21, Long played in six postseason games and made one start. He recorded 12 tackles, 11 of which were solo, one tackle for a loss, and one interception that was returned for a score. He will wear No. 30 for the Packers.
With Jaire Alexander’s availability in doubt, it will be intriguing to see whether the Packers call up Long to the active roster. Given that he has a great deal of playoff experience, Long would be an intriguing choice.
Dallas scored 29.9 points per game this season, which was the top scoring offense in the NFL. The objective will be to find any technique to slow them down.