Notebook: Packers add Burks to practice squad

GREEN BAY – In their never-ending quest to find a running game, the Green Bay Packers added a familiar face to their practice squad.

Brandon Burks, an undrafted free agent who led the team in rushing during the exhibition season with 31 carries for 120 yards and a touchdown, replaced cornerback Keith Baxter, who was released Oct. 27.

The Packers already have elevated one practice squad back, Don Jackson, and will give Burks a look over the coming weeks. As long as James Starks continues to make progress, the Packers won’t need another body but having an emergency option on the practice squad can’t hurt.

With Ty Montgomery (illness) practicing on a limited basis and potentially returning to action this weekend, the Packers will have him, Jackson and fullback Aaron Ripkowski to handle the ball-carrying duties. Veteran Knile Davis was waived on Monday.

“We have some moving parts,” coach Mike McCarthy said. “I think it’s a little bit like last week. You set a game plan, communicate with the medical staff. We’re clearly in a projection mode.”

First things first: Against Atlanta, receiver Geronimo Allison became the first Packer to score a touchdown on his first career reception since tight end Ryan Taylor on Dec. 11, 2011, according to the team.

Also, Allison and Trevor Davis became the first rookie duo in Packers history to catch touchdown passes in the same game since Joe Johnson and Max McGee on Dec. 12, 1954, at the Los Angeles Rams.

Finally, when Allison, Davis and Jeff Janis each caught their first career touchdown pass against the Falcons, it marked the first time in the NFL three teammates had posted their first career touchdown passes in the same game since a New York Jets trio did it on Oct. 23, 2000.

No spot needed: As a result of Davis being released, the Packers won’t have to make a roster move to make room for center Corey Linsley.

The Packers are at 52, so when Linsley is activated off the physically unable to perform list, no one will have to be removed. Linsley is going to start against Indianapolis because JC Tretter is out several weeks with a knee injury.

Trade central: Under general manager Ted Thompson the Packers make trades for players about as often as they sign free agents.

Asked what it was like around Packers headquarters Tuesday as the trade deadline neared, McCarthy said, “I thought it was next week.”

When corrected, he smiled and said, “That’s what it’s like.”