Packers Promote RB Brandon Saine from Practice Squad

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The Green Bay Packers signed rookie running back Brandon Saine from the practice squad to the 53-man roster after placing fellow rookie back Alex Green on IR, GM Ted Thompson announced Monday. The Packers also signed safety Anthony Levine and offensive lineman Paul Fenaroll to the practice squad and Cecil Newton was released.

The need for promoting Saine arose when Green tore his ACL in the first quarter of the Packers 33-27 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7. The injury occured when Randall Cobb tripped into the back of Green’s legs during a kick return. Mike McCarthy announced last Monday that Green would be lost for the season.

A third-round pick from Hawaii, Green had just three carries for 11 yards and one catch for six yards in limited snaps this season. Depending on when surgery for the injury occurs, Green should be a full-go for 2012.

Saine (5-11, 220) was signed as an undrafted free agent on July 28 and won himself a spot on the Packers practice squad by rushing for 51 yards during the preseason. He was a second-team All-Big Ten selection at Ohio State his senior year. He will wear No. 33.

While Green saw limited playing time in the Packers offense, Saine will likely receive less. Green Bay needed an extra running back on the roster, mostly because John Kuhn, who can fill in as an emergency back, is the team’s lone fullback. Expect to see Saine on special teams duty only.

Levine (5-11, 200) returns to the Packers practice squad after being released on Sept. 3. He spent the first 18 games of 2010 on the practice squad but was released during final cut downs this season. He will wear No. 34. It’s safe to say that Levine is over a concussion issue that forced him to miss precious training camp and preseason time this August. He’ll provide emergency depth at safety, a position that has been stretched thin by Nick Collins’ injury.

Fenaroll (6-2, 300) was released by the Atlanta Falcons during final cut downs after being signed as an undrafted free agent. He was a three-year starter at Stony Brook and was named All-Big South in each of his final two seasons. He will wear No. 64. After releasing Newton—Cam’s older brother—the Packers needed another body on the offensive line. Fenaroll is that guy for the time being.

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Zach Kruse is a 23-year-old sports journalist with a passion for the Green Bay Packers. He currently lives in Wisconsin and is working on his journalism degree, while also covering prep sports for The Dunn Co. News.

You can read more of Zach's Packers articles on AllGreenBayPackers.com.

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6 thoughts on “Packers Promote RB Brandon Saine from Practice Squad

  1. Makes sense to me, I thought Saine had very good hands during preseason, and with the Packers offense, being able to catch the wheel route is probably as important as being able to run it down the middle

    1. McCarthy seemed very pleased with the way Saine looked both in the preseason and now on the practice squad. Didn’t seem like a tough decision

  2. Potential tryout for next season, potential.

    Its clearly obvious that Starks is better than Grant. Sure Grant will have his flashes of greatness for the Packers, but Starks is the better man.

    When the offseason comes around, Saine might challenge Grant and Green for a higher roster spot.

    If Saine is wise, he will use this opportunity to learn how to protect Rodgers in pass rush.

    Eventually he will get 2nd string time because Grant or Starks will get injured a tad, and need Saine to take some of the load until their body heals.

    1. I would be surprised to see Grant return to the Packers next season.

      He’s no spring chick anymore, Starks has proven to be competent and has even less tread on his tires than most 2nd year RB’s, and there’s a reason the Packers brought in Alex Green. “Better to let a player go a year early than a year late”, I’m quite sure the Packers will thank Ryan Grant for all of his contributions to the team and allow him to leave via free agency at the end of the season.

      Brandon Saine is receiving extra practice reps with the active 53 as a result of Green’s injury, and will be a great accelerator in his development, prepping him for his #3 RB position in 2012 behind Green and Starks.

      1. …Or I’m completely daft and Grant gets a blockbuster extension and plays out what years he has left with the Packers, lol.

    2. To Mr. Bacon: Saine would be very wise to become the best pass blocking back he can be. Can’t see him getting many carries, but there’s still a role as a blocker after Brandon Jackson left.

      To Oppy: I agree, this is Grant’s last year. Can’t see them brining back or why they would. Only way I see is if Green struggles with his comeback.

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