Aaron

Ripkowski

Ripkowski was out of the league last year before signing a reserve/future deal with the Chiefs in January. Kansas City also cut WR Josh Crockett and DT Henry Mondeaux.

The occasional Packers touchdown vulture spent 2018 out of the league. Chiefs fullbacks played just 102 snaps in 2018, while Anthony Sherman was a Pro Bowler. Ripkowski will face almost impossible odds of cracking the 53-man roster.

With the backups to the backups dealing with injuries, Ripkowski played over half of the offensive snaps against the Falcons, turning seven touches into 33 yards. “He’s not a featured runner in our offense but he did a really good job,” McCarthy said. “He catches the ball well. He’s always caught it well in practice. He just needs opportunities.” Ripkowski is unlikely to get those opportunities with Ty Montgomery (illness) expected back, but he could be a threat for a short-yardage touchdown this week.

Ripkowski’s giveaway was devastating, costing the Packers a potential touchdown and giving the Falcons a touchback. A 2015 sixth-rounder forced into far too big of a role this season, Ripkowski doesn’t have a fantasy future.

Ripkowski got all of his work in the first half. He caught a seven-yard touchdown to put the Packers up early, but wasn’t involved much after that. The Packers have an unpredictable backfield, but Ripkowski is playing the most snaps. Ripkowski’s Week 17 role has him on the DFS radar for the playoffs.

Ripkowski was active despite being added to the injury report on Saturday as questionable with a shoulder injury. The fullback’s role was minor behind Ty Montgomery and Christine Michael, but Ripkowski did execute on a fourth-quarter goal-line carry before taking a Lambeau Leap.

Ripkowski is ready to go for the playoffs. Ripkowski saw 11 touches in Week 17, but will probably be more in the 4-6 range for the Wild Card Round.

He also caught 2-of-2 targets for 15 yards. The Packers’ new John Kuhn, Rikpkowski’s one-yard bunny touchdown in the fourth quarter was the first of his career and the first by an Eagles running back this season. It’s obviously safe to say the 2015 sixth-rounder is nowhere near fantasy relevant.

Ripkowski was listed on the injury report but practiced fully all week. He must have had a setback at Saturday’s walkthrough. Ty Montgomery should see a bigger role with Ripkowski less than 100 percent.

Selected as John Kuhn’s potential successor, Ripkowski is a pure lead blocker. It’s doubtful he takes Kuhn’s roster spot, as Kuhn is coming off an All-Pro year, and making just $870,000. Ripkowski will have to earn his keep on special teams.