The Green Bay Packers have activated their two suspended players, defensive tackle Mike Pennel and cornerback Demetri Goodson.
The Packers had an open roster spot after releasing quarterback Joe Callahan on Thursday. They created another one by releasing defensive tackle Brian Price, an undrafted rookie, on Saturday.
Both Pennel and Goodson served four-game suspensions for violating league drug policies. We knew the Packers would activate Pennel at some point — they were under no obligation to do it this week. Goodson, on the other hand, was a question mark.
Goodson was no better than the sixth cornerback during training camp in our estimation. He was outplayed by undrafted rookie Josh Hawkins and Robertson Daniel, who didn’t make the roster.
We expected — perhaps hoped — the Packers would just release Goodson when his suspension was up.
However, they suddenly have very little depth at cornerback. Sam Shields remains out with concussion, while Damarious Randall and Quinten Rollins are questionable with groin injuries.
Goodson’s activation may well be more about necessity than it is talent.
As William Munny said, “Deserves got nothing to do with it.”