The Green Bay Packers have elevated quarterback Sean Clifford and cornerback Robert Rochell from the practice squad to the active roster for their Week 3 matchup against the Tennessee Titans. The move, announced on Saturday, ensures both players will be available to head coach Matt LaFleur for Sunday’s game.
Clifford’s elevation is particularly significant as he provides insurance at quarterback in case starter Jordan Love is unable to play due to a knee injury. Love, who is dealing with a sprained MCL, practiced in a limited capacity throughout the week and is officially listed as questionable for the game. The Packers have indicated that Love would be given the full week to prepare and make a decision about his availability at game time. However, Clifford’s promotion suggests that the team is preparing for the possibility that Love may not be ready to take the field.
If Love is unable to play, Clifford would serve as the backup to Malik Willis, who is expected to start. Clifford was also elevated from the practice squad in Week 2 to serve as Willis’s backup, as Love was still recovering from his knee injury.
Rochell’s elevation, meanwhile, provides depth in the secondary. The Packers are dealing with injuries at cornerback, as Carrington Valentine, who has been sidelined all week with an ankle injury, is doubtful for the game and expected to be inactive on Sunday. Valentine did not practice leading up to the matchup, leaving the Packers with limited options at cornerback.
Robert Rochell will likely replace Valentine in the lineup, offering support in the cornerback rotation and contributing on special teams. While Eric Stokes is expected to start alongside Jaire Alexander, Rochell’s presence provides additional depth, especially if injuries occur during the game. Stokes and Valentine split playing time last week, but with Valentine’s injury, Rochell is poised to step in where needed. Corey Ballentine is also available as a backup behind Stokes, further solidifying the depth chart at cornerback.
In line with NFL rules, teams are allowed to elevate up to two players from the practice squad each week, and individual players can be elevated a maximum of three times per season. With this being Clifford’s second elevation, he has just one remaining before he would need to be signed to the active roster to continue playing. Rochell, on the other hand, has two elevations left.
After Sunday’s game, both Clifford and Rochell are expected to revert back to the practice squad on Monday unless the Packers make additional roster moves. Their elevations provide key support for a Packers team navigating injuries at crucial positions as they head into their Week 3 clash with the Titans.