Packers Sign 2,000-Yard Running Back with ‘Power and Quickness’

The Green Bay Packers have added some quality depth in the backfield alongside Josh Jacobs as the NFL Playoffs approach.

Packers
Nov 28, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur looks on from the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

While Jacobs is busy keeping Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores awake at night, the Packers will have the chance to kick the tires on a prolific rookie running back.

Tuesday, the Packers signed rookie running back Deshaun Fenwick to the practice squad, with two games remaining in the regular season.

Originally signed as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Oregon State this spring by the New England Patriots, Fenwick was released following training camp prior to being scooped up by the Packers and added to the practice squad with two pivotal games remaining before the postseason begins.

Green Bay Packers, Josh Jacobs
Dec 23, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) stiff arms New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

At 6-feet and 223 pounds, Fenwick has plenty of explosiveness, rushing for 2,039 yards with 18 touchdowns while averaging 5.3 yards per carry, across six collegiate seasons at South Carolina and Oregon State.

“Fenwick is a well-rounded back with power, quickness, and vision,” Hula Bowl Scout Jake Kernen wrote of Fenwick prior to the draft. “Who I think will play in the NFL. However, he lacks elite traits and is substantially older than most draft picks at his position.”

It remains to be seen whether the Packers will eventually get Fenwick on the field, but he could push for playing time should Green Bay’s backfield suffer an injury in the coming weeks while potentially carving out a role in 2025 with a strong offseason ahead.