Packers confirm suspicion with one final move that completes their clever Week 1 strategy against the Vikings
Green Bay elevated wide receiver Bo Melton from the practice squad for gameday, as well as linebacker Kristian Welch.
The Green Bay Packers confirmed the suspicion and completed the roster management strategy they started on Friday. On Saturday, the Packers announced their game day elevations for Week 1 against the Minnesota Vikings, and as expected, wide receiver and special teams contributor Bo Melton is part of that plan. A fellow special teamer, off-ball linebacker Kristian Welch was also elevated.
The strategy behind the move
On Friday, Green Bay released Melton from the 53-man roster and immediately signed him back to the practice squad. The move looked like a calculated salary maneuver, and the elevation proves it. Melton will be eligible to suit up as part of the 48-man active roster on Sunday against Minnesota in Week 1, then revert back to the practice squad on Monday.
The Packers could promote Melton back to the 53-man roster for Week 2. But placing him on the practice squad for the opener was a strategy that allows the team to avoid guaranteeing Melton’s base salary for the 2026 season. Players with four or more credited seasons are considered vested veterans, and their base salaries become fully guaranteed if they remain on the roster by Week 1. By cycling Melton through the practice squad, the Packers gain flexibility they otherwise would not have had.
Mid-term strategy in the WR room
That flexibility is particularly important because last year’s third-round pick, wide receiver Savion Williams, started the season on injured reserve. When Williams returns, Melton will probably be fighting for a roster spot. The front office positioned itself to make that eventual decision without carrying a fully guaranteed salary on the books.
The maneuver won’t preclude Melton from playing in Sunday’s regular season opener against the Vikings. He is available for game day and figures to contribute on special teams the way he has throughout his time in Green Bay. The Packers simply found a way to preserve financial flexibility while keeping a useful player in the fold for Week 1.
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.
- Bo Melton – 1
- Kristian Welch – 1
Packers’ practice squad
- Damon Bankston RB
- Dalton Cooper T
- Drake Dabney TE
- Scott Daly LS
- Josh Gesky G
- Kahlef Hailassie S
- Chris Hilton Jr. WR
- Domani Jackson CB
- Nyjalik Kelly EDGE
- Lenny Krieg K
- Bo Melton WR
- Arron Mosby EDGE
- Isaiah Neyor WR
- Kedon Slovis QB
- Pierre Strong Jr. RB
- Dillon Wade G
- Kristian Welch LB
