The Green Bay Packers received a relieving update late this week with a report from Tom Pelissero that the team won’t be disciplined by the NFL for working out defensive tackle Zxavian Harris one day before the league sent a memo clarifying that Harris and tight end Dae’Quan Wright are ineligible to try out, visit, or sign with any NFL team during the 2026 season.

Complicated situation

The NFL Management Council sent a memo to all 32 clubs on Wednesday clarifying Harris and Wright’s eligibility status. Both players attempted to return to college football after the opening of NFL training camps. The second portion of the memo is what could have created problems for Green Bay, given that the Packers had brought Harris in for a tryout on Tuesday.

“Clubs are reminded that it is each club’s responsibility to verify player eligibility. If a club is unable to verify a player’s eligibility, either on its own or in consultation with the NFL Player Personnel Department, the club may not sign such player to a contract and may not otherwise permit the player to practice or play with the club, including a visit or tryout. Violations may subject the club to discipline, including the loss of draft choices and/or fines. Club personnel may also be subject to fines and/or suspension. If there is any question regarding a player’s NFL eligibility, it is imperative that the club contact the NFL Player Personnel Department.”

The Packers won’t be punished

According to Pelissero, the Packers are “not expected to be disciplined.” He mentioned that the NFLPA is looking into “exactly what Harris, Wright, and any other potentially affected player did individually,” and a grievance is still on the table.

Harris played defensive tackle at Ole Miss and went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft. He then signed with the New Orleans Saints, spent training camp and the preseason in New Orleans, but was waived on Aug. 8. After his release, Harris attempted to return to college football, this time at LSU rather than his original school. The Tigers went through a legal battle to allow players who had signed professional contracts to return to college, but ultimately gave up on the possibility of adding Harris and Wright.

That recruitment effort was made possible by an injunction granted by Judge William Jorden, paving the way for NCAA and SEC eligibility for more than 40 athletes. The rule allows players five years of eligibility over five calendar years, even after they explored NFL avenues.

The players are in a tough spot

Both Wright and Harris explored that path for one more college season. The situation sparked controversy among college programs and the SEC. LSU ultimately did not add Wright or Harris to its roster, leaving both players without a college team and now, per the NFL’s memo, without NFL eligibility for the 2026 season.

Neither Harris nor Wright will be eligible for the 2026 season, but both could return as free agents in 2027. Based on what the Packers saw during this week’s tryout, Green Bay could have interest in Harris when he becomes available again. For now, the next development to watch is whether the NFL determines that the Packers’ tryout of Harris warrants a fine or any other form of discipline.