Packers make a slew of roster moves as they try to address top priorities and stabilize the team for the rest of the season

Packers promoted two defensive backs from the practice squad, but also added external pieces.

Wendell Ferreira — NFL News Writer
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Green Bay Packers defensive back Jaylin Simpson passes the ball during a Green Bay Packers Football Outreach Camp at Syble Hopp School on Sept. 23, 2025, in De Pere, Wis. The event, in conjunction with the NFL Play 60 program, provides kids the opportunity to try various football drills.
Green Bay Packers defensive back Jaylin Simpson passes the ball during a Green Bay Packers Football Outreach Camp at Syble Hopp School on Sept. 23, 2025, in De Pere, Wis. The event, in conjunction with the NFL Play 60 program, provides kids the opportunity to try various football drills. Sarah Kloepping/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Green Bay Packers have made a total of seven roster moves at once on Tuesday. Trying to solve the biggest issues of the roster ahead of the final regular season game, against the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay confirmed it claimed defensive tackle Jonathan Ford off waivers from the Chicago Bears. But there’s much more.

Packers’ roster moves on Dec. 30

  • Claimed DT Jonathan Ford off waivers
  • Promoted CB Shemar Bartholomew from the practice squad
  • Promoted DB Jaylin Simpson from the practice squad
  • Signed RB Damien Martinez to the practice squad
  • Waived DT Quinton Bohanna
  • Placed CB Kamal Hadden on injured reserve
  • Placed DT Jordon Riley on injured reserve

Cornerback was a top priority

The Packers lost Kamal Hadden for the season, and Nate Hobbs also suffered a knee injury against the Baltimore Ravens. That’s why the team decided to promote two cornerbacks from the practice squad. Shemar Bartholomew is a natural CB and has been with the Packers since early December.

Jaylin Simpson is a safety and slot corner, but the Packers are listing him as a cornerback as well. A fifth-round pick from last year by the Indianapolis Colts, he was signed by Green Bay in August and was on the practice squad for the entire season — he was even elevated for gameday in Week 13 against the Detroit Lions.

Promising weapon

With Josh Jacobs dealing with a knee injury and MarShawn Lloyd on IR, the Packers added a talented piece to the practice squad. Damien Martinez was a seventh-round pick by the Seattle Seahawks this year, but ended up being surprisingly waived. He spent some time on the Seahawks’ practice squad, but was out of the league since September.

The Packers needed extra bodies to finish out the season — especially because the bottom of the roster will have the opportunity to play on Sunday, since the Packers are expected to rest some key players. Depth is particularly impactful in this scenario, and these young players have a chance to put some good football on tape for the future.

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