Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said Wednesday that Taylor will need to be ready for the No. 2 running back role while Aaron Jones (knee) is unavailable, but the coach also suggested the Packers may look at other options for backup duties behind fill-in starter AJ Dillon, Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports.
With Jones expected to miss only a week or two, LaFleur likely is referring to a potential practice squad promotion to challenge Taylor, rather than bringing in a free agent from outside the organization. The Packers have Ryquell Armstead and Kerrith Whyte on their practice squad, while Taylor has been active as the No. 3 back ever since Kylin Hill suffered an ACL tear Week 8. The No. 3 role wasn't expected to come with any work outside of garbage time, but Taylor took two carries for seven yards after Jones made an early exit from Sunday's 17-0 win over the Seahawks. With that in mind, Taylor is the most likely candidate to handle No. 2 duties Sunday against Minnesota, though it may not come with many touches behind Dillon.