Packers’ latest roster decisions offer an intriguing glimpse into their preparations for Patriots matchup
General manager Brian Gutekunst elevated tight end Drake Dabney from the practice squad for gameday.
The Green Bay Packers made only one roster move ahead of the New England Patriots game on Sunday for Week 9. But it’s not just one decision. In addition to elevating tight end Drake Dabney from the practice squad for gameday, the Packers decided not to activate running back Chris Brooks from injured reserve.
The Packers opted to elevate Dabney for two reasons. First, fellow tight end Josh Whyle is out of Sunday’s game with a concussion. But also because they need special teamers, and they’ve already elevated edge defender Arron Mosby three times, so he can’t be elevated in regular season games anymore.
The tight end room has Tucker Kraft, Mark Redman, and veteran Jonnu Smith, who was a healthy scratch against the Carolina Panthers last week.
Meanwhile, Green Bay didn’t activate Chris Brooks from IR. He was designated to return earlier this week after missing the past few games with an ankle injury. However, even after being limited at practice throughout the week, Brooks is not ready to play yet.
Therefore, the Packers want to give him more time in his 21-day practice window before putting him back on the active 53-man roster. The running back room has Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd (questionable with a knee injury), Pierre Strong Jr., and Kaleb Johnson.
The Packers also decided not to elevate any cornerbacks, which is a good indication that Keisean Nixon will be available. As expected, edge defender Micah Parsons wasn’t activated yet either, as he had already been ruled out.
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 German kicker Lenny Krieg.
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.
Practice squad elevations in 2026
Each player can be elevated up to three times in the regular season.
- Arron Mosby – 3
- Drake Dabney – 1
- Bo Melton – 1
- Kristian Welch – 1
- Coleman Owen – 1
Packers’ practice squad
- David Blay Jr. DT
- Dalton Cooper T
- Elijah Culp CB
- Drake Dabney TE
- Jack Dingle LB
- Domani Jackson CB
- D.J. Johnson EDGE
- Nyjalik Kelly EDGE
- Lenny Krieg K (IPP)
- Cam Miller QB
- Arron Mosby EDGE
- Isaiah Neyor WR
- John Saunders Jr. S
- Quincy Skinner Jr. WR
- Mazi Smith DT
- Dillon Wade G
