The Green Bay Packers elevated receiver Juwann Winfree from the practice squad to the gameday roster for Week 6. The move was announced Saturday, making Winfree available for Matt LaFleur and the Packers for Sunday’s showdown with the New York Jets.
The Packers need the extra depth at receiver, where rookie Christian Watson is dealing with a hamstring injury and is already ruled out for Sunday. Amari Rodgers has only played five snaps from scrimmage, and rookie Samori Toure hasn’t been active in any of the five games to start his NFL career.
Winfree has previously played in two other games for the Packers this season, catching one pass on three targets for 17 yards over 22 offensive snaps. He’s also played 22 special teams snaps.
Over the last three seasons, Winfree has played 173 offensive snaps and 77 special teams snaps over 11 games with the Packers. He caught eight passes for 58 yards (five first downs, two fumbles) last season.
On Sunday vs. the Jets, Winfree could operate as the No. 4 receiver behind Allen Lazard, Romeo Doubs and Randall Cobb.
The Packers did not elevate an outside linebacker from the practice squad, suggesting Rashan Gary will be available despite a questionable labeling on Sunday.
All teams are allowed to elevate up to two players from the practice squad each week. An individual player can only be elevated from the practice squad three times per season, so Winfree is now out of elevations and would need to be signed to the 53-man roster to contribute to the Packers again this season. On Monday, he will revert back to the practice squad.
Elevations by week
Week 1: WR Juwann Winfree, S Micah Abernathy
Week 2: RB Patrick Taylor
Week 3: WR Juwann Winfree
Week 4: CB Kiondre Thomas
Week 5: None
Week 6: WR Juwann Winfree