Packers Enhance Offensive Depth with Pierre Strong Addition
The Green Bay Packers have made a strategic adjustment to their practice squad, welcoming former fourth-round draft pick Pierre Strong to bolster their offensive capabilities. This move comes on the heels of the team’s decision to release running back Israel Abanikanda, as they continue to seek speed and versatility in their roster.
A New Face from South Dakota State
Initially opting to retain Abanikanda, the Packers shifted their focus by bringing in Strong, another speedster with ties to South Dakota State University. Strong, selected by the New England Patriots in the 2022 NFL Draft, brings a blend of acceleration and agility to the practice squad. Over the course of his career with the Patriots and a brief tenure with the Cleveland Browns, Strong has accumulated impressive stats: 99 carries for 499 yards, averaging five yards per carry, along with 26 receptions totaling 193 yards.
After notching a career-high 291 rushing yards in 2023 and 14 catches in 2024, Strong’s recent release from the Browns stemmed from an injury settlement following a concussion. His speed and versatility have drawn praise from coaches, including Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, who highlighted his ability to impact the game both as a runner and in special teams.
Special Teams Contributor
Strong’s contributions extend beyond the offensive side of the ball. He has shown himself to be a formidable special teams player, recording eight tackles and a forced fumble in 2023, alongside three tackles in 2024. His experience as a kickoff returner, averaging 23.8 yards on 24 attempts, adds another layer to his skill set. Throughout his career, he has participated in 607 special teams snaps, showcasing his readiness to contribute wherever needed.
A Promising Prospect
At 5-foot-11 and 202 pounds, Strong’s athleticism is underlined by his 4.37-second 40-yard dash. Drafted with the 127th pick in the fourth round, he boasted a remarkable 9.35 Relative Athletic Score (RAS), ranking him among the top running backs from 1987 to 2022. His drive to contribute is evident in his own words: “Helping the team out any way I can… that’s the kind of person and player I am.”
Strong’s journey to the NFL wasn’t straightforward. Despite a high school career that saw him rush for nearly 4,000 yards, he was largely overlooked by college recruiters. South Dakota State’s then-running backs coach, John Johnson, pursued him tenaciously, eventually convincing him to join the program. Strong has since made history, becoming the first running back from SDSU to be drafted since Joe Thorne was selected by the Packers in 1962.
A Unique Running Style
Strong’s distinctive playing style has garnered attention. “He hops out of tackles, he’s real smooth, he gets to top speed quickly,” noted South Dakota State head coach John Stiegelmeier. He demonstrated this talent during his college career, amassing 4,527 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns over four seasons, while also contributing in the passing game.
As he joins the Packers, Strong will wear the number 22, a jersey previously donned by rookie receiver Matthew Golden. His presence is expected to inject new energy into the Packers’ backfield as the team prepares for the challenges ahead. With his blend of speed, versatility, and special teams experience, Pierre Strong may prove to be a valuable asset for Green Bay as they refine their offensive dynamics.
