One of the moves has been made. The Green Bay Packers had two open roster spots after putting receiver Jared Abbrederis and safety Chris Banjo on injured reserve. One of those spots has been filled by practice squad receiver Geronimo Allison.
Allison is an undrafted rookie from Illinois. He made a strong push for a roster spot with a great training camp and solid preseason. Ultimately, that was a numbers game, though. The Packers kept seven receivers, which are two more than they typically carry on their roster.
Frankly, we’re surprised they filled Abbrederis’ spot with Allison. When healthy, the Packers couldn’t find any playing time for Abbrederis.
Maybe it will be different for Allison, who actually provides the Packers with something they don’t have enough of at the position — a big outside receiver. Allison is 6’3″, 203.
The Packers now have four legitimate outside guys with Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, Jeff Janis and Allison for their two outside spots. Previously, they were carrying three guys best suited for the slot — Randall Cobb, Ty Montgomery and Abbrederis — when there was really just one slot role available.
Unfortunately, Allison brings size to the table, but he doesn’t necessarily bring speed. He ran just a 4.67 40 yard dash at the combine. In essence, the Packers’ receiving corps, just got slower.