On Tuesday, the Green Bay Packers made a swap in their backfield. Out is running back Jarveon Howard. In is fullback Henry Pearson.
Howard was originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of Alcorn State back in April. Through two preseason games, he carried the ball eight times for 44 yards for an impressive 5.5 yards per carry average, but fellow reserve backs Emanuel Wilson and Ellis Merriweather combined for 36 carries over that timespan. Despite Howard’s efficiency, the team clearly sees something more in the six other backs that they’re still rostering after this move.
Pearson was released by the Packers in late July, but he spent the entire 2023 season on Green Bay’s practice squad. As an undrafted rookie out of Appalachian State, Pearson was activated for two regular season games last year, resulting in 11 offensive snaps and 23 special teams snaps.
Pearson’s time in Green Bay has never overlapped with another fullback. The team also didn’t have a fullback on the roster when they signed him. For the most part, the team treats fullbacks like an extension of the tight end position, with the only real difference being that Pearson plays in the backfield a little bit more.
Considering that Joel Wilson and Messiah Swinson, the two tight ends unlikely to make the 53-man roster, haven’t impressed much this preseason, Pearson does have a decent chance of hanging onto a practice squad spot. Don’t be surprised if Pearson makes that 16-man unit and ends up being activated for a couple of games to help on special teams in 2024.
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