Packers announce signing of 12 players to practice squad

The Green Bay Packers announced the signing of 12 players to the practice squad on Wednesday, the first day teams can start filling out the practice squad after final cuts.

The Green Bay Packers announced the signing of 12 players to the practice squad on Wednesday, the first day teams can start filling out the practice squad after final cuts.

Among the signings were quarterback Sean Clifford, cornerback Kalen King, cornerback Robert Rochell and offensive lineman Donovan Jennings.

Here’s the full list:

DE Deslin Alexandre
QB Sean Clifford
DL James Ester
K Alex Hale (International Player Pathway)
WR Julian Hicks
OL Donovan Jennings
CB Kalen King
RB Nate McCrary
RB Ellis Merriweather
CB Robert Rochell
OL Lecitus Smith
TE Messiah Swinson

All 12 players were with the Packers at some point during training camp. The team has five spots left to fill because Hale, as the IPP player, won’t count against the Packers’ 16-man practice squad.

General manager Brian Gutekunst expected the other five practice squad signings to come from outside the organization.

Clifford will be the No. 3 quarterback and could be an elevation possibility early in the season as Malik Willis — who was acquired via trade with the Titans — gets up to speed behind Jordan Love.

King returns after flashing playmaking potential during his first NFL camp. The Packers will continue his development as a future slot cornerback option.

Jennings received $100,000 guaranteed to join the Packers as an undrafted free agent. Injuries derailed his first training camp but the talent and athleticism are there to develop.

Rochell played snaps at cornerback and on special teams for the Packers last season. He’s a solid insurance option should anything happen to one of the five cornerbacks on the Packers’ 53-man roster.