Packers still seeking right fit with defensive back Josh Jackson

GREEN BAY - Green Bay Packers defensive back Josh Jackson, a second-round pick in 2018, has not been used much because the two players ahead of him, Will Redmond and Chandon Sullivan, have been too good to unseat, according to defensive coordinator Mike Pettine.

The foot injury that sidelined Jackson through much of training camp allowed Redmond and Sullivan to jump ahead of him on the depth chart, Pettine said, and that has meant very little playing time on defense.

Jackson has played just 69 snaps and was inactive against the Chargers.

“Just not being out there kind of got him behind,” Pettine said. “Will Redmond and Chandon both have played a lot of reps and kind of gotten their own little niche in what they’re doing. And they’re doing a real nice job on special teams as well.

“We’re only getting a certain amount of guys up and that’s obviously the big discussion each week.”

Pettine said another issue is that the coaches haven’t found a single spot to put him where he has a best chance to succeed. They’ve used him at corner, slot corner and safety because backups have to play multiple positions, so he hasn’t gotten a chance to focus on one job.

Slot corner will probably wind up being his best spot, Pettine said.

No qualms with Clark

After a hot start to the season, nose tackle Kenny Clark’s numbers have gone down.

Welcome to the world of recognition, Pettine said.

“I think if you look at how we grade him, his grades sheets, he’s been — since I’ve been here — ultra consistent,” Pettine said. “I mean, well into the 90s percent-wise. So, I think part of it is teams are a little bit more aware of Kenny Clark.”

The result is he has faced more attention from opposing blocking units.

He had 28 tackles and 1½ sacks in his first four games. He has 22 tackles and no sacks in his last five.

“I think teams realize they can’t single block him unless they’ve got a pretty good player against him,” Pettine said. “So, it’s only natural that his numbers have gone down. Teams have realized, ‘Hey, I don’t want this guy to wreck the game for us.’”

Ryan Grant waiting in wings

The Packers signed receiver Ryan Grant with the hope he could help them while Davante Adams was recovering from a turf-toe injury.

However, Grant hasn’t been active since joining the team and with Adams back, he might not be active again in the near future.

“He could go out today and contribute,” coach Matt LaFleur said. “He’s fully acclimated. It’s just one of those deals, who do you put down? Those other guys, to their credit, have done a great job. It’s just more or less the opportunity really hasn’t presented itself yet."

Tim Williams signed to practice squad

Outside linebacker Tim Williams was waived Tuesday to make room for Ibraheim Campbell on the 53-man roster, but then re-signed with the Packers to join the practice squad Thursday. To make room for Williams, the team released offensive lineman Ben Braden off the practice squad.

Williams played two special teams snaps for the Packers after being claimed off waivers from Baltimore on Oct. 3. He is in this third year after being a 2017 third-round pick of the Ravens.

Vitale named Salute to Service nominee

Packers fullback Danny Vitale said he was caught off guard and honored in being chosen by the club as its nominee for the NFL and USAA’s Salute to Service Award.

Vitale has supported the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation since entering the NFL and supporting the military and civil first responders has been a passion of his, as family and friends have a long history of service.

“Just a lot of personal ties that have made me want to get involved and has become a huge part of my life,” Vitale said. “I try to surround myself with as many military members as I possibly can just because I respect the hell out of it. Whether you’re putting your life on the line or not, whether you’re on the battlefield or on a sub for 365 days of the year, whatever it is, that unselfish service to country is something I truly appreciate.”

Finalists for the award are announced in January and the recipient will be recognized at the NFL Honors awards show Feb. 1, the night before the Super Bowl.