The Green Bay Packers have reinforcements on the way - not that they need them. After a one-week suspension, wide receiver Geronimo Allison was seen on the practice field this week and is expected to join the team for their Sunday night game with the familiar Atlanta Falcons. What role he'll play in the dynamic Packers offense remains up in the air. But he'll be out to prove that he deserves to be part of an offense that is expected to be one of the best in all of football once again, thanks in large part to wide receiver depth and Mr. Aaron Rodgers.
Allison joins the team
On Wednesday, ESPN reporter Rob Demovsky spotted Allison on the practice field, fooling around with a JUGS machine. It was one of the first times the wide receiver has graced the Packers with his presence since the regular season began. He was suspended for last week's opener against the Seattle Seahawks. The reason: a one-game suspension after a marijuana charge last season, a violation of the NFL's drug policy.
Geronimo Allison has returned from his Week 1 suspension. Expect him to be the No. 4... https://t.co/uNRQJkFtpZ pic.twitter.com/bTLfvYVZmF
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) September 13, 2017
The timing of his return is personally intriguing for Allison. Last season, he made his NFL debut in the same exact city (although not the same stadium, since the Falcons have moved into new digs this season).
He caught a four-yard touchdown pass for his first career reception in Week 8 of the 2016 season. Back then, the Packers didn't need him. Heck, they may not need him so much now.
Allison looks for a role
As of now, all indications are that Allison will fill the No. 4 receiver role in Green Bay. He will move past the likes of Jeff Janis and Trevor Davis on the depth chart.
Naturally, he won't surpass Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb, and probably won't pass Davante Adams either. Allison is coming off a strong preseason, where he had seven catches for 75 yards. He did suffer a concussion along the way, though.
Last season, Allison caught 17 passes for 267 yards, good for two touchdowns (including the playoffs).
He has looked even better during training camp, according to all reports. He has looked physically stronger and mentally tougher. The suspension was a setback, but he could be on the verge of a breakout season if Aaron Rodgers decides to look his way every once in a while.
Because that's just what the Packers need: another weapon in their already high-powered arsenal. No wonder Rodgers thinks he can play until he's 40 years old - he's surrounded with a group of receivers that make his job as painless as possible.
