Green Bay Packers rookie running back Lew Nichols III won’t make the team’s 53-man roster to start the 2023 season. According to Bill Huber of SI.com, the Packers plan to place Nichols on injured reserve before the initial 53-man roster is settled and eventually release him with an injury settlement.
Nichols, a seventh-round pick out of Central Michigan, has missed most of training camp with a shoulder injury. He did not play in any of the team’s three preseason games.
The injury ruined any chance for Nichols to make the team as the third running back. Patrick Taylor and Emanuel Wilson are now viewed as the favorites entering final cuts.
Any player who is placed on injured reserve before making the 53-man roster must come to an injury settlement to return during the season.
Per injury settlement rules, Nichols would be able to return to the Packers three weeks after the settlement expires, but he’s also free to sign with any other team once he’s over his shoulder injury.
The Packers used the 237th overall pick in the 2023 draft on Nichols. He was the team’s second of four seventh-round draft picks.
Nichols rushed for 3,061 yards at Central Michigan. He led the FBS in rushing yards (1,848) and 100-yard rushing games (10) during the 2021 season.