The roster maneuverings surrounding Jonathan Ford’s activation from injured reserve are now complete. The Packers signed Ford, who was released on Wednesday and cleared waivers on Thursday, to the practice squad on Friday.
Ford (6-5, 338) began the season on injured reserve/designated to return after suffering a calf injury late in the preseason. He missed four games, was designated to return and then used up his 21-day practice window, requiring the Packers to sign him to the 53-man roster. Long snapper Matt Orzech was released to make room for Ford. They were then swapped again on Wednesday, with Orzech signed and Ford released — allowing Ford to return on the practice squad on Friday.
Ford, a seventh-round pick in the 2022 draft, has never appeared in a regular season game. He made the 53-man roster as a rookie but was a healthy scratch every game. In 2023, Ford spent the entire season on the practice squad.
Ford finally showed life as an interior disruptor to start Year 3 in Green Bay. He played 72 snaps on defense during the 2024 preseason, producing four tackles and a strong grade against the run, per PFF.
Ford will get more time to develop on the practice squad and give the Packers an emergency option for the defensive line. He has three gameday elevations available this season.