Tracking all the Packers practice squad additions to start the 2024 season.
The Green Bay Packers can start signing players to the practice squad after the waiver period ends on Wednesday. All NFL teams can carry 16 players on the practice squad during the 2024 season. Some will have 17, with a free spot designated for International Player Pathway players.
The Packers released 34 players on Tuesday, but many will return to Green Bay on the practice squad to start 2024. Once the practice squad is filled, a 53-man initial roster will turn into a complete 69-player (or 70, if Alex Hale is retained as the international player) team for Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur.
Follow along as Packers Wire tracks all the additions made to the practice squad on Wednesday:
Signings by position (15/17)
QB: Sean Clifford
RB: Ellis Merriweather, Nate McCrary
WR: Julian Hicks, Jalen Wayne
TE: Messiah Swinson
OL: Lecitus Smith, Donovan Jennings
DE: Deslin Alexandre
DL: James Ester
LB: Chris Russell Jr.
CB: Robert Rochell, Kalen King
S: Omar Brown
K: Alex Hale (International Player Pathway)
P:
LS:
TE Messiah Swinson
The Packers will sign rookie tight end Messiah Swinson to the practice squad, per Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com. Swinson went undrafted out of Arizona State. He is an inline, run-blocking tight end.
DL James Ester
The Packers will sign rookie defensive lineman James Ester to the practice squad, per Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com. Ester went undrafted out of Northern Illinois. He produced two hurries and deflected a pass that was interception during the preseason.
QB Sean Clifford
The Packers will sign quarterback Sean Clifford to the practice squad, per Tom Silverstein of PackersNews.com. He will serve as the No. 3 quarterback behind Jordan Love and Malik Willis and could be an early-season elevation.
RB Ellis Merriweather
The Packers will sign running back Ellis Merriweather to the practice squad, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Merriweather spent time on the Packers’ practice squad last year and ran hard this summer, especially in the preseason finale.
OL Lecitus Smith
The Packers will sign offensive lineman Lecitus Smith to the practice squad, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. He can play guard or center.
OL Donovan Jennings
The Packers will sign offensive lineman Donovan Jennings to the practice squad, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. The rookie from USF played tackle in college but has the size and athleticism to move inside.
CB Robert Rochell
The Packers will sign cornerback Robert Rochell to the practice squad, per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. The veteran corner can play on the perimeter and on special teams.
CB Kalen King
The Packers will sign cornerback Kalen King to the practice squad, per Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com. The rookie seventh-round pick flashed playmaking ability.
DE Deslin Alexandre
The Packers will sign defensive end Deslin Alexandre to the practice squad, per Bill Huber.
K Alex Hale
The Packers announced the signing of rookie kicker Alex Hale. He is the team’s International Player Pathway player and won’t count against the practice squad.
RB Nate McCrary
The Packers announced the signing of running back Nate McCrary to the practice squad.
WR Jalen Wayne
The Packers announced the signing of receiver Jalen Wayne to the practice squad.
S Omar Brown
The Packers announced the signing of safety Omar Brown, a rookie out of Nebraska. He spent time with the Broncos. He also had a top 30 visit with the Packers before the 2024 draft.
LB Chris Russell Jr.
The Packers announced the signing of linebacker Chris Russell Jr. A collegiate teammate of Edgerrin Cooper, Russell was a tryout player and later spent time with the team during training camp.
