Jason Brookins
Adding depth at running back, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman confirmed Friday that the Green Bay Packers have agreed to terms on a two-year contract with former Baltimore Ravens backup Jason Brookins.
Appearing in 12 games and starting three, Brookins is coming off a rookie NFL season in which he ran for 551 yards and five touchdowns on 151 carries, while also making six catches for 45 yards. Predominantly slated behind starter Terry Allen, Brookins was the team's leading rusher in five straight games.
Brookins should challenge for the No. 2 running back spot behind two-time 1,000-yard rusher Ahman Green. The Packers stand to lose last year's primary backup and eight-year veteran Dorsey Levens, who is an unrestricted free agent.
Somewhat lost in the shuffle in the first half of the 2001 season, Brookins solidified his position in the Ravens backfield with a breakout game in Week 7, in which he led the team with 19 carries for 82 yards and one touchdown in an 18-17 win over Jacksonville.
Although limited to 40 yards on 16 carries in Week 8 and 57 yards on 14 carries in Week 9, Brookins again paced Baltimore's ground attack the following two weeks as the Ravens picked up crucial road wins versus the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans, respectively.
Brookins' season-high effort came in Week 10, when he amassed 89 yards on 21 tries in a 27-17 loss to the Cleveland Browns. The following week, he closed out the regular season by putting up 82 yards on Jacksonville for the second time of the year, this time adding two touchdowns among his 32 carries.
Brookins, 26, was released by Baltimore earlier this month. The Ravens are anticipating the return of standout tailback Jamal Lewis, who missed all of last season with a knee injury.
