The Packers will be without James Starks against the Cowboys but did not promote a running back from the practice squad to help their backfield’s depth. Instead, the team activated defensive lineman Mike Pennel and cornerback Demetri Goodson, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.
Granted one-game roster exemptions for both players coming off four-game suspensions, Green Bay waited a week to activate each backup contributor. The Packers’ cutting quarterback Joe Callahan earlier this week left them with an empty roster spot, and they waived defensive tackle Brian Price to clear another space, per Demovsky.
A third-year player coming off a substance-abuse suspension, Pennel made five starts for the Packers last season. He’s played in 29 games over the past two years after joining the Packers as a UDFA in 2014. The former Colorado State-Pueblo performer registered a sack, forced a fumble and made 24 tackles last season. He’s expected to join Christian Ringo and Dean Lowry among the Packers’ backups up front.
Goodson has also been a backup for the past two seasons, playing in 20 games since being taken in the sixth round last year. The former Gonzaga point guard served a four-game PED ban and will help a depleted Packers cornerback corps that’s still without Sam Shields. Opposite starter Damarious Randall is questionable, with nickel man Quinten Rollins potentially out for Week 6 as well. Both are battling groin injuries. So, Goodson could be called upon in the event the duo is unable to go.
Starks suffered a meniscus injury this week and could be out for multiple games, according to Demovsky, so Green Bay’s backfield could take on an interesting dynamic considering no other backup running back resides on the active roster. Randall Cobb and Ty Montgomery could be called upon for spot-duty carries behind Eddie Lacy, Jason Wilde of ESPN.com tweets. Fullback Aaron Ripkowski is the only other active-roster ball-carrier.