Packers Announce 53-Man Roster
The Packers featured the youngest roster in the NFL last season, and they’re set to return most of that young core in 2024. Still, the team had to move on from a long list of inexperienced players as they pared their roster down to 53 players. The organization announced the following roster moves today:
Released:
Waived:
- DL Deslin Alexandre
- DL Brevin Allen
- DL Keshawn Banks
- K Anders Carlson (story)
- QB Sean Clifford (story)
- WR Grant DuBose
- DL James Ester
- CB Gemon Green
- K Alex Hale
- WR Julian Hicks
- OL Donovan Jennings
- S Anthony Johnson Jr.
- OT Caleb Jones
- CB Kalen King
- RB Nate McCrary
- RB Ellis Merriweather
- DL Zach Morton
- OL Royce Newman (story)
- TE Henry Pearson
- QB Michael Pratt (story)
- CB Robert Rochell
- LB Chris Russell
- S Benny Sapp III
- DL Keonte Schad
- OL Lecitus Smith
- WR Dimitri Stanley
- TE Messiah Swinson
- OT Luke Tenuta
- WR Samori Toure
- DL Spencer Waege
- WR Jalen Wayne
- TE Joel Wilson
- LB Christian Young
Waived/injured:
- CB LJ Davis
- LB Ralen Goforth
Placed on IR:
- TE Tyler Davis
- RB AJ Dillon (story)
- DL Jonathan Ford (designated for return)
Linebacker Kristian Welch brings the most experience of the bunch, with the former UDFA appearing in 57 career games in time with the Ravens and Packers. He spent the 2023 campaign in Green Bay, where he played all 210 of his snaps on special teams. Considering his limited experience on defense, there’s a chance the Packers are tinkering with their roster and intend to bring the veteran back via the practice squad.
Packers Activate Two Rookies Off IR, Place S Rudy Ford On IR
The Packers have made a series of transactions ahead of their fateful Week 18 matchup against the division rival Bears. Green Bay opted to bring in some rookie reinforcements, activating tight end Luke Musgrave and running back Emanuel Wilson off injured reserve, while placing safety Rudy Ford on IR. The additional roster spot for the activations will come from the team waiving cornerback David Long. Lastly, wide receiver Grant DuBose will be elevated from the practice squad as a standard gameday callup. 
Musgrave, the Packers’ second-round selection out of Oregon State, still leads Packers tight ends in receiving despite having missed the past six games. In his absence, fellow rookie, and third-round pick, Tucker Kraft has successfully picked up his production. Now, with the season on the line, having both available provides quarterback Jordan Love with two strong targets at tight end.
Wilson, an undrafted rookie out of Fort Valley State, was forced into a bigger role than expected this year after injuries in the running backs room. Aaron Jones has returned to the field in a big way in recent weeks, but with backup AJ Dillon out, Wilson could once again be stepping into a bigger role, should he play.
Ford earned a bit of a bigger role in 2023 after reeling in three interceptions during his first year in Green Bay. In nine starts this year, Ford leads the team with two interceptions. The Packers had developed a nice rotation to work Ford and the other starting safeties, Jonathan Owens and Darnell Savage, on the field. With Ford out for the remainder of the season, Green Bay may have to dedicate Owens and Savage a bit more to their safety positions and rely on linebackers to fill the role of that missing rotation.
Long was claimed off waivers from the Panthers a month ago and has yet to take a defensive snap for the Packers, solely appearing on special teams. This is the first gameday elevation for DuBose. The seventh-round rookie out of Charlotte may have a chance to make his NFL debut tomorrow.
Wednesday NFL Transactions: NFC North
Following the 53-man roster cutdown deadline Tuesday, many teams will make slight tweaks to their rosters. In addition to waiver claims, teams can begin constructing their 16-man practice squads today. These Bears, Lions, Packers and Vikings moves are noted below.
Chicago Bears
Placed on IR:
- G Teven Jenkins (story)
Signed:
- WR Trent Taylor
Claimed:
Waived:
Signed to practice squad:
- LB Micah Baskerville, DL Travis Bell, FB Robert Burns, TE Stephen Carlson, OL Aviante Collins, LB DeMarquis Gates, DL Jalen Harris, OL Roy Mbaeteka, DB Greg Stroman, WR Nsimba Webster, DB Kendall Williamson
Detroit Lions
Claimed:
Waived:
Signed to practice squad:
- WR Maurice Alexander, G Kayode Awosika, K Michael Badgley (story), WR Dylan Drummond, T Connor Galvin, S Brandon Joseph, RB Zonovan Knight, CB Chase Lucas, LB Trevor Nowaske, T Max Pircher, DL Chris Smith
Green Bay Packers
Claimed:
- DB Zayne Anderson, TE Ben Sims
Released:
- LB Tariq Carpenter, DL Jonathan Ford
Waived:
Signed to practice squad:
- TE Austin Allen, CB Corey Ballentine, LB Keshawn Banks, WR Grant DuBose, C James Empey, S Innis Gaines, QB Alex McGough, WR Bo Melton, LB Arron Mosby, LB Kenneth Odumegwu, FB Henry Pearson, S Benny Sapp III, DL Chris Slayton, RB Patrick Taylor, T Kadeem Telfort, CB Kiondre Thomas
Minnesota Vikings
Placed on IR:
- RB Kene Nwangwu
Claimed:
Waived:
- WR Jalen Reagor (story)
Signed to practice squad:
-
OL Alan Ali, CB C.J. Coldon, DT Sheldon Day, WR Trishton Jackson, WR Lucky Jackson, RB DeWayne McBride, DL T.J. Smith, WR Thayer Thomas, LB Luiji Vilain, LB Benton Whitley, CB Jaylin Williams, CB Joejuan Williams
Packers Place CB Eric Stokes On PUP, Set 53-Man Roster
The Packers will roll into the 2023 campaign without cornerback Eric Stokes, who was placed on PUP today. The organization made additional moves to get to the 53-man roster limit:
Released:
Waived:
- TE Austin Allen
- LB Keshawn Banks
- WR Jadakis Bonds
- WR Cody Chrest
- T Jean Delance
- WR Grant DuBose
- C James Empey
- CB Tyrell Ford
- S Innis Gaines
- CB Elijah Hamilton
- CB William Hooper
- CB Shemar Jean-Charles
- DL Jason Lewan
- RB Nate McCrary
- QB Alex McGough
- WR Bo Melton
- WR Dre Miller
- LB Arron Mosby
- DL Antonio Moultrie
- LB Kenneth Odumegwu
- LS Matt Orzech
- FB Henry Pearson
- LB Jimmy Phillips Jr.
- LB Marvin Pierre
- S Benny Sapp III
- C Cole Schneider
- DL Chris Slayton
- RB Patrick Taylor
- T Kadeem Telfort
- CB Kiondre Thomas
- WR Duece Watts
Placed on reserve/PUP:
- CB Eric Stokes
Placed on IR:
Waived/injured:
- RB Tyler Goodson
- LS Broughton Hatcher
- RB Lew Nichols
Stokes continues to rehab from foot and knee injuries that limited him to only nine games in 2022. His placement on PUP means he’ll have to sit out at least the first four games before being eligible for activation. The 2021 first-round pick has started 23 of his 25 appearances for the Packers, collecting 81 tackles, 14 passes defended, and one interception.
Meanwhile, Moore won’t be eligible to play for the Packers in 2023 after getting placed on injured reserve with a knee injury. Moore joined the Packers this offseason after spending the first five seasons of his career with the 49ers. He sat out the entire 2021 campaign but otherwise appeared in 61 games across four healthy seasons with San Francisco, collecting 108 tackles.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/7/23
Here are Monday’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Activated from active/PUP list: OLB BJ Ojulari
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: OL LaColby Tucker
- Activated from active/PUP list: DL Calais Campbell
- Waived: DL Matthew Gotel
Baltimore Ravens
- Activated from active/PUP list: FB Patrick Ricard
Cincinnati Bengals
- Placed on IR: DT Devonnsha Maxwell
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: DE Charles Wiley
- Waived: WR Ra’Shaun Henry
Dallas Cowboys
- Activated from active/NFI list: TE Luke Schoonmaker
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: RB Nate McCrary
- Activated from active/NFI list: WR Grant Dubose
Kansas City Chiefs
- Released from IR via injury settlement: LB Isaiah Moore
Miami Dolphins
- Waived: QB James Blackman
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: WR Jacob Copeland
- Waived: WR Cephus Johnson
New York Giants
- Activated from active/PUP list: G Marcus McKethan, DT A’Shawn Robinson
New York Jets
- Signed: DL Bruce Hector
- Waived: QB Chris Streveler
Philadelphia Eagles
- Waived: OL Trevor Reid
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: LB Jordan Ferguson
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: DB Avery Young
- Waived: OL Grant Hermanns
Washington Commanders
- Signed: S Joshua Kalu
- Placed on IR: DB Troy Apke
Streveler is currently dealing with an injury, ESPN’s Dianna Russini tweets. The Jets used Streveler as their top backup QB to close last season, inserting him into a Week 16 game ahead of Joe Flacco. Streveler stuck around via reserve/futures contract in January. But the Jets have since traded for Aaron Rodgers and signed Tim Boyle, marking a new era at quarterback. With Zach Wilson still around, the team does not appear to have any room — potentially even on the practice squad — for Streveler, who has played for the Jets and Cardinals in a three-year NFL career.
Apke has been with Washington since being chosen in the 2018 fourth round. He re-signed with the team in 2022 and stayed via reserve/futures contract in January. A shoulder injury, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, will move Apke to IR, which will end his chances of playing a sixth season with the Commanders this year. Kalu started five games for the Titans last season, playing 494 defensive snaps. Over his first three seasons, Kalu had never cleared the 100-snap barrier on defense.
Schoonmaker suffered a foot injury, a plantar fascia tear, during his final year at Michigan. The Cowboys’ top post-Dalton Schultz tight end investment will aim to make a push for a regular role to begin the season.
The Dolphins made Blackman part of their UDFA class this year. The former Florida State starter spent six years in college, finishing up with Arkansas State. The Dolphins swapped out Teddy Bridgewater for Mike White this offseason, but Skylar Thompson has made a push to be Tua Tagovailoa‘s backup. Regardless of that competition’s outcome, Blackman’s ceiling appeared to be practice squad QB in Miami. But the Dolphins may be looking into outside help for that developmental role — provided the team plans on stashing a fourth passer on its taxi squad.
Minor NFL Transactions: 7/21/23
Here are today’s minor transactions from around the league as teams prepare their rosters for training camp:
Baltimore Ravens
- Placed on NFI: OLB Tyus Bowser
- Placed on PUP: RB J.K. Dobbins, FB Patrick Ricard, CB Damarion Williams, DT Rayshad Nichols, WR Mike Thomas
- Placed on reserve/did not report list: WR Rashod Bateman
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: WR Austin Watkins
- Placed on NFI: WR Marquise Goodwin, G Colby Gossett, WR Anthony Schwartz, WR Mike Woods
Denver Broncos
- Signed: K Brett Maher
Green Bay Packers
- Placed on NFI: WR Grant Dubose, TE Camren McDonald
- Placed on PUP: WR Jeff Cotton, OLB Rashan Gary, C Jake Hanson, CB Eric Stokes
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Waived: DT Nick Thurman
Las Vegas Raiders
- Placed on NFI: DE Tyree Wilson
- Placed on PUP: DT Byron Young
New England Patriots
- Placed on PUP: S Cody Davis, G Michael Onwenu, DT Justus Tavai
New York Jets
- Signed: RB Damarea Crockett, DE Ifeadi Odenigbo
- Waived: WR Izaiah Gathings
Washington Commanders
- Placed on PUP: S Xavier Henderson
There are some big names in Baltimore that won’t be healthy to open camp. Two offensive youngsters who can’t seem to stay on the field, Dobbins and Bateman, continue to struggle to get healthy. Bateman sat out most of the spring after receiving a cortisone shot in hopes it would help get him back in time for camp. While he didn’t report, general manager Eric DeCosta expects him back soon, according to the team’s editorial director Ryan Mink. Dobbins has started thinking about his second contract this summer, and getting healthy will be key to gaining any leverage in negotiations. Ricard is no surprise, as head coach John Harbaugh predicted this placement a month ago. Bowser, though, experienced an unexpected flare up in his knee this spring after missing eight games last season.
In Cleveland, Goodwin experienced a medical scare recently when discomfort in his legs and shortness of breath turned out to be blood clots in his legs and lungs, according to James Palmer of NFL Network. He will miss the start of training camp as the clots are addressed.
In Denver, a kicking competition appears to be in the cards. The team held a workout for Maher, Elliott Fry, and Parker White back in May and ended up signing Fry. Now, with Maher joining the team, and the exit of Brandon McManus, the position battle between Maher and Fry will continue.
In Wisconsin, Gary and Stokes each ended their season after Week 9 of last year due to long-term injuries. Both will continue slowly working their way back in order to play big roles on defense.
In Vegas, Wilson, this year’s seventh overall pick, will have to be patient in finding his way to the field for his rookie year. He was expected to be cleared for training camp after ending his college career with a Lisfranc injury, but he’ll have to wait just a bit longer. The Raiders are counting on him to relieve some of the defensive responsibilities of Chandler Jones and Maxx Crosby.
NFL Draft Pick Signings: 5/4/23
After the Panthers got the ball rolling yesterday, a number of teams started signing draft picks to their rookie contracts today. We’ve compiled all of the four-year, later-round signings below:
Baltimore Ravens
- CB Kyu Blu Kelly (fifth round, Stanford)
- OT Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu (sixth round, Oregon)
- G Andrew Vorhees (seventh round, USC)
Chicago Bears
- LB Noah Sewell (fifth round, Oregon)
- CB Terell Smith (fifth round, Minnesota)
- DT Travis Bell (seventh round, Kennesaw State)
- S Kendall Williamson (seventh round, Stanford)
Green Bay Packers
- QB Sean Clifford (fifth round, Penn State)
- WR Grant DuBose (seventh round, Charlotte)
Indianapolis Colts
- TE Will Mallory (fifth round, Miami)
- RB Evan Hull (fifth round, Northwestern)
Jacksonville Jaguars
- WR Parker Washington (sixth round, Penn State)
New England Patriots
- WR Kayshon Boutte (sixth round, LSU)
New York Jets
- DB Jarrick Bernard-Converse (sixth round, LSU)
Philadelphia Eagles
- QB Tanner McKee (sixth round, Stanford)
- DT Moro Ojomo (seventh round, Texas)
San Francisco 49ers
- DE Robert Beal Jr. (fifth round, Georgia)
Seattle Seahawks
- RB Kenny McIntosh (seventh round, Georgia)