There’s a reason why the first 53-man roster is called the “initial” 53-man roster. One day after submitting an initial roster, the Green Bay Packers claimed two players off of waivers: tight end Ben Sims from the Minnesota Vikings and safety Zayne Anderson from the Buffalo Bills.
Claiming Sims and Anderson will require the Packers to make two roster moves to fit them on the 53-man roster.
The Packers must already create a roster spot for re-signing long snapper Matt Orzech. The assumed roster move is placing offensive tackle Luke Tenuta (ankle) on injured reserve. It’s possible another player or two will join Tenuta on injured reserve this week. If not, the Packers will have to release a player who made the 53-man roster on Tuesday.
Sims, who visited Green Bay before the draft, went undrafted out of Baylor in 2023. He played 86 snaps on offense for the Vikings this preseason, including 37 as a run blocker. Sims caught three passes on five targets for 53 yards on 43 routes run. Of his 86 snaps, 70 came as an inline tight end, a position where the Packers need help after losing Tyler Davis to a season-ending knee injury. Sims would be only the third traditional tight end on the rsoter, joining Luke Musgrave and Tucker Kraft, with Josiah Deguara labeled as a fullback.
Anderson went undrafted out of BYU in 2021. He spent two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, playing 110 special teams snaps over seven games. The Bills signed Anderson in February. He made three special teams tackles for the Bills over three preseason games but was cut on Tuesday. The Packers kept five safeties on the 53-man roster but may want more depth considering Dallin Leavitt is a special teams only player and Anthony Johnson Jr. is a rookie.
Sims and Anderson will need to come to Green Bay and pass physicals before they officially join the 53-man roster.