The Green Bay Packers set their initial practice squad one day after final cuts were made and the players cleared waivers. Each NFL team can keep up to 16 players on the practice squad and those players can be elevated to the team’s active roster three times before they must be placed on the 53-man roster permanently if they are to appear in another game. Here is a look at the players the Packers signed to the practice squad and what role they are likely to play this season and why the team added them to the practice squad.
Packers Practice Squad Player Number One: CB Kalen King
The Packers selected Kalen King in the seventh round of this year’s draft. The Penn State alum showed some flashes of ability during training camp and in the preseason, but also showed he needs some work. For example, he forced a fumble during the preseason, but also looked bad trying to make a tackle.
Now King has time to work on his technique, improve his confidence, and learn the pro game while on the practice squad.
Number Two: QB Sean Clifford
The second-year man out of Penn State was released on final cuts but the Packers chose to bring Sean Clifford back instead of Michael Pratt, who signed with the Bucs. The fact Clifford played in the NFL for one year was likely the biggest reason GM Brian Gutekunst chose Clifford over Pratt. It will take time for Malik Willis to learn the playbook and terminology. Clifford is more ready to step in early in the season if needed than Pratt would be. Both Clifford and Willis are developmental quarterbacks at this point.
Packers Practice Squad Player Number Three: RB Ellis Merriweather
Ellis Merriweather finished last season on the practice squad and returns there to start 2024. He gained 99 yards on 26 carries during the preseason including a strong performance against the Ravens in the final contest. Merriweather could be activated for Game 1 against the Eagles if MarShawn Lloyd continues to miss time due to his hamstring injury.
Number Four: TE Messiah Swinson
Messiah Swinson has great size at 6’7” and 259 pounds. The Arizona State alum showed enough in training camp to earn a spot on the practice squad this year. Swinson did not catch a pass during the team’s three preseason games and had just one target.
Packers Practice Squad Player Number Five: DT James Ester
James Ester adds additional depth to the Packers defensive line. The Northern Illinois alum made three tackles during the preseason. He is more of a run stuffer than a pass rusher.
Number Six: OL Donovan Jennings
The Packers paid Donovan Jennings a big bonus for an undrafted free agent, but he didn’t make the initial 53-man roster. Still, the 6’4”, 328-pound South Florida product has been added to the practice squad. He may now become the next developmental offensive lineman like Yosh Nijman and Caleb Jones were previously.
Packers Practice Squad Player Number Seven: RB Nate McCrary
Nate McCrary earned a spot on the practice squad with his strong finish to the preseason. The Saginaw Valley State alum played for the Ravens in 2021 and continues to show enough to keep his NFL dream alive. He could also be activated to the active roster early in the season depending on Lloyd’s availability.
Number Eight: WR Julian Hicks
The Packers signed Julian Hicks as an undrafted free agent in May. The Packers have a deep and talented receiver room, but Hicks made enough of an impression in training camp to stick on the practice squad. The Albany product caught one pass for 23 yards during the preseason.
Packers Practice Squad Player Number Nine: OL Lecitus Smith
Interior offensive lineman Lecitus Smith gives the Packers an experienced lineman on the practice squad. He played 10 games and started two for the Cardinals in 2022. Last season, he was on the practice squad of both the Eagles and Texans.
Number 10: DE Deslin Alexandre
Deslin Alexandre signed with the Packers this January after spending some time last season on the Bears practice squad. The undrafted free agent out of Pittsburgh also spent time in training camp in 2023 with the Jets.
Packers Practice Squad Player Number Eleven: CB Robert Rochell
Many people expected Robert Rochell to make the 53-man roster for his special teams contributions. Instead, he returns to the Packers practice squad. Rochell played nine games for the Packers last year and spent the previous two seasons with the Rams. The Central Arkansas product has a Super Bowl ring from his time with the Rams.
Number 12: WR Jaylen Wayne
South Alabama alum Jaylen Wayne was a late addition to the Packers training camp roster. He signed with the Pack on July 19th. He played in the CFL earlier this season and spent time with the Bills and Browns in training camp. Wayne will add depth to the receiving room.
Packers Practice Squad Player Number 13: K Alex Hale
Kicker Alex Hale is the Packers participant in the International Player Pathway program. He will be the 17th player on the practice squad because he has a special exemption. The Oklahoma State alum will provide depth at kicker in case the newly signed Brayden Narveson struggles.
As of now, there are still four open spots on the Packers practice squad. Gutekunst indicated they will likely be players who were not with the Packers during training camp.
This article first appeared on The Packers Post and was syndicated with permission.
