Green Bay acquired running back depth.
The Packers traded for Kansas City Chiefs reserve running back Knile Davis, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday, per a source informed of the swap. The Chiefs will receive a conditional late-round pick, likely based on playing time, Rapoport added.
The Kansas City Star first reported the news. Coach Mike McCarthy later confirmed the trade, adding the Packers were trying to get him ready for practice Tuesday.
Green Bay was in desperate need of backfield aid. Starter Eddie Lacy is dealing with a persistent ankle injury, and McCarthy said that Lacy is "very sore" and won't be practicing Tuesday. James Starks is out four weeks after undergoing knee surgery on Monday.
Lacy was the only healthy tailback to suit up in Sunday's blowout loss to the Dallas Cowboys. With the starter battling the ankle trouble, receiver Ty Montgomery served as a backup out of the backfield much of the second half.
Davis has been available via trade as far back as March. Rapoport reported at the time that Davis made the request to be traded -- Davis later denied that request was made. With Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West proving more than capable of standing in and Jamaal Charles returning from his ACL tear, Davis was always the odd man out. Then jitterbug rookie Tyreek Hill swiped Davis' return gig this season. Davis' roster spot seemed in jeopardy the past few weeks.
Heading into Thursday night's division tilt versus the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field, Packers fans shouldn't expect a lot from Davis, who has averaged just 3.3 yards per carry for his career. He's got open field speed, but isn't shifty in tight spaces and is mediocre in the passing game. Still, Davis is better than not having a running back at all and can help on special teams.
