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The late-season free agent signing is always a fun storyline, and it’s especially fun in Green Bay. Whether it’s Andre Rison in 1996, Howard Green in 2010, or even Tyler Ervin last season, a free agent addition in the dog days of the regular season adds a little bit of spice during the run-up to the playoffs.
This year’s candidate is Tavon Austin, who has a great opportunity to play a limited but important role in the Packers offense in addition to contributing on special teams. The bar is low for success, but the potential payoff could be big. Negative special teams plays have been piling up over most of the past month, and Packers fans should know better than most how a big play on a kick or punt return (or, gulp, an onside kick) can swing a playoff game.
Will Austin provide one of those big plays — for good or ill? Only time will tell. But it appears he’ll have the opportunity.
Another Tyler Ervin injury means it could be Tavon Austin time | Packers Wire
Austin’s opportunity arises because of an injury to Tyler Ervin. If he’s going to contribute, now’s the time.
What You Might’ve Missed: Distracting the Defense | Packers.com
A guy like Austin could be a worthwhile contributor because of how Matt LaFleur runs his offense. Mike Spofford shows here how distractions play a big part in making the offense go.
Green Bay Packers Special Teams Unit on a Rapid Decline | Dairyland Express
If Austin can’t contribute on offense, hopefully he can at least shore up the Packers’ special teams, which have been rapidly falling apart. He may not do much on coverage, but he might at least be a plus in the return game.
Here’s why Aaron Rodgers went to Carson Wentz at conclusion of Packers’ Week 13 win over Eagles | CBS Sports
Aaron Rodgers took a moment to touch base with Carson Wentz after the young quarterback’s poor performance and subsequent benching on Sunday.
Horse rescued while running loose in traffic | UPI
Somebody call John Mulaney. Looks like the horse got out of the hospital.