The Green Bay Packers designated defensive lineman Jordon Riley for return from the physically unable to perform list on Wednesday, opening his 21-day practice window, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky.
Riley, who was signed of the New York Giants practice squad in December of last year, tore his Achilles tendon during the Packers' loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Dec. 27 and missed the rest of the season. He's been on the physically unable to perform list since the start of training camp.
While Riley can now practice with the team, the Packers would need to activate him to the 53-man roster for Riley to play. By rule, the Packers have three weeks to activate Riley from the PUP list, and can do so at any point during the 21 days.
Like last year,
the Packers could use help at defensive line due to injuries. Second-year defensive lineman Warren Brinson is on injured reserve after suffering a groin injury at practice, while veteran Javon Hargrave is headed for season-ending injured reserve after tearing his Achilles tendon late in Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears.
Over four games with the Packers last season, Riley played 64 snaps, including 39 against the run, and produced four pressures and three tackles.
Riley is a 338-pound defensive tackle who is best suited as a two-gapping run defender. With rookie Chris McClellan and veteran Jonathan Ford on the 53-man roster, the Packers are in decent shape in terms of nose tackle types, but Riley could be a valuable depth piece down the stretch.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers designate DL Jordon Riley for return from PUP list
