Packers roster shuffle brings positive signs at quarterback but delivers tough news involving a promising rookie weapon
Savion Williams was placed on injured reserve.
The Green Bay Packers will finish a crazy week with a total of 23 roster moves. They made six of them on Saturday, a day ahead of the regular season finale against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.
The good news is Desmond Ridder was not elevated from the practice squad for gameday, an indication that quarterback Malik Willis is healthy enough to serve as QB2 — regular third-stringer Clayton Tune is expected to start.
The bad news is that rookie third-round wide receiver Savion Williams was placed on injured reserve — he could only return this season if the Packers reached the Super Bowl.
Packers’ Saturday roster moves
- Promoted wide receiver Jakobie Keeney-James from the practice squad
- Promoted interior offensive lineman Lecitus Smith from the practice squad
- Placed wide receiver Savion Williams on injured reserve
- Placed guard Donovan Jennings on injured reserve
- Elevated tight end Drake Dabney for gameday
- Elevated linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson for gameday
NFL practice squad rules
The NFL increased the practice squad size during COVID-19 and kept some of the adjusted rules. Of the 16 players, 10 must have up to two accrued seasons, while the other six have no restrictions. There’s also an extra spot for a player with an International Pathway Program exemption, which Green Bay is using for English defensive tackle Dante Barnett.
Throughout the season, teams can elevate practice squad players for gameday. Each player can be elevated three times for the same team without being a member of the active 53-man roster. After the game, the player reverts to the PS.
Packers’ practice squad elevations in 2025
- Arron Mosby — 3
- Pierre Strong Jr. — 3
- Jamon Dumas-Johnson — 3
- Micah Robinson — 2
- Drake Dabney — 2
- Jaylin Simpson — 1
- Kristian Welch — 1
- Brant Banks — 1
- Lecitus Smith — 1
- Clayton Tune — 1
Packers’ practice squad
T Brant Banks
G Karsen Barnhart
T Dalton Cooper
TE Drake Dabney
LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson
DT James Ester
K Lucas Havrisik
CB Tyron Herring
RB Damien Martinez
WR Isaiah Neyor
S Mark Perry
QB Desmond Ridder
WR Will Sheppard
RB Pierre Strong Jr.
DT Dante Barnett (IPP)
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