The Green Bay Packers have had an open roster spot since they unexpectedly released running back Jhurell Pressley last week. Interestingly, they took a look at another running back on Tuesday. That guy is former Buffalo Bill and New Orleans Saint C.J. Spiller.
Of course, just because the Packers bring a guy in, doesn’t mean they’re going to sign him. They bring in players throughout the season to take a look at them and they don’t sign most of them.
That said, Spiller is the type of back we’ve been asking for for some time. Or at least he used to be.
Spiller was known for his speed and his receiving ability. In other words, he could potentially provide the Packers with what plodders Eddie Lacy and James Starks don’t.
The reason we use the term was is because Spiller has been slowed by injuries. He was a Pro Bowler in 2012 with the Bills, when he had 1,244 yards rushing and 459 yards receiving. Things went downhill from there. Spiller was decent in 2013, with 933 and 185, when he averaged 4.6 per carry. In 2014, that average dipped to 3.8 and it was just 3.1 with New Orleans in 2015.
The Saints released Spiller last week.
If the Packers are interested in signing Spiller, that interest would most certainly be tied to the health of his knees. He had knee surgery prior to the 2015 season and then turned into the worst campaign of his career.
Interesting. I fully don’t expect them to sign him, but who knows? If he can regain form, then this would be sweet. Key word being “IF.”
If we can’t run block for Lacy and Starks, how does signing Spiller change that? How about bringing in a new punter?
Meh. I am more interested in seeing him catch passes out of the backfield. I don’t see him being more effective than Lacy or Starks for the reasons you eluded to.
The Cadaver Ted Thompson won’t sign anyone, don’t want to disrupt that 2yard per down Offense. Showcases that great Punter he signed for trinkets.