The Packers acquired Davis in a trade with Kansas City for a conditional draft pick to fortify the running back position with Eddie Lacy (ankle) not practicing and James Starks (knee) out at least a couple of weeks.

The Chiefs' third-round draft pick out of Arkansas in 2013, Davis had a combined 610 rushing and receiving yards and seven TDs in his second season but had since fallen to fourth on Kansas City's depth chart with the additions of Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware the past two years. He had just one carry and two receptions in games this season.

Davis was shocked to find out about the trade Monday night while enjoying a "victory Monday" playing some video games (the Chiefs beat the Raiders on Sunday), but he feels as though his football career has been given new life.

"I feel like I'm off the range," Davis said. "I've been on the sideline, been itching to be in the game and be a part of the team, which I was in Kansas City, I did what I could. I'm just excited to be a part of Green Bay and hopefully my role gets bigger."

What role he might have, if any, on Thursday night remains to be seen. The Packers' current No. 2 back is Ty Montgomery, but the 5-10, 227-pound Davis brings a speed dimension that'll be new to Green Bay's backfield, and he'd be a more traditional back in reserve behind Lacy.

Arriving on a short week isn't ideal as far as getting prepared to play right away, but a small package of plays could be learned in time if need be.



Davis is up for whatever the coaches want to throw at him, on offense or special teams. He'll be studying the playbook and game plan as fast as he can.

"It's putting what you already know with what they know, and not getting confused with terminology that meant something else where you were at," he said. "Once I get that down, I think I'll be good.

"It feels like getting drafted again. A new beginning, and I'm excited."

Linsley returns: Third-year center Corey Linsley practiced for the first time this season on Tuesday.