Green Bay Packers 2021 Practice Squad Tracker

On Tuesday, we learned which cuts were made and which players made up the Green Bay Packers initial 53 — or I should say 52 until the trade for Corey Bojorquez is official — man roster. Now the next step of this roster construction process is building the 16 player practice squad.

For any player who was cut and has less than four years of NFL experience, they are placed on waivers and can then be claimed by any other team, but there are two important things to know with this.

The first is that if multiple teams place a waiver claim on the same particular player, the team with the worse record from the 2020 season is the one who gets that player. The second important item to know is that if a player is claimed off waivers at this time, they must be added to the 53-man roster–they can’t be stashed on the practice squad.

This is a big reason why many players who fans think will end up elsewhere go unclaimed instead. If you think about it, it’s a bit of a risky move for a team to replace one of their own on the 53-man roster with a player from another team who they have far less information on.

This period when teams can put in waiver claims on released players goes until 3:00 CST on Wednesday. At that point, teams can then begin constructing their 16 player practice squads, and just like last year, up to six of the practice squad slots can be used on players with any level of NFL experience.

Teams are also able to “protect” up to four practice squad players every week, which means they can’t be claimed by other teams, and two practice squad players can be elevated to the active roster on game day.

So just as I did with the roster cuts tracker, keep this article close by throughout the day on Wednesday, so you can see who is added to the Green Bay Packers practice squad.

And although the initial 53-man roster draws much of the attention, keep in mind that it takes more than 53 players to get through an NFL season.

Kurt Benkert – QB

It was known that the Green Bay Packers wanted to bring Kurt Benkert back, the question was whether or not he would clear waivers. Benkert provides them with an emergency quarterback option in 2021 and the potential to move into a backup role in 2022 if Aaron Rodgers ends up elsewhere.

First reported by Matt Schneidman

Cole Van Lanen – OL

Van Lanen brings versatility as he’s able to play both guard and tackle but could benefit from a year on the practice squad. With that said, if there’s an injury on the 53, don’t be surprised if he’s elevated to the active roster.

First reported by Matt Schneidman 

Kabion Ento – CB

An easy move to make, Ento flashed numerous times this preseason and can contribute on special teams. As a former receiver, where he really needs to improve is as a tackler. He and Innis Gaines had the most missed tackles on the team this preseason, according to PFF ($$).

First reported by Ryan Wood 

Jacob Capra – OL

Capra was only on the field for 25 snaps during the preseason but he looked comfortable and brings that coveted versatility, having played both tackle and guard positions in college.

First reported by Matt Schneidman

JJ Molson – K

The Green Bay Packers had Molson on the practice squad for part of last season and they kept him on the roster all summer; it’s clear that they like him and he also performed well. With a 37-year-old Mason Crosby, it’s not a bad idea to have a backup plan.

First reported by Ryan Wood

Equanimeous St. Brown – WR

St. Brown battles injuries this summer, didn’t flash all that much when he was on the field, and has minima special teams snaps over his career. So it was evident that he wasn’t going to be on the final roster. But at only 24-years-old, it’s certainly worth keeping him around—the talent is there.

First reported by Tom Pelissero 

Tipa Galeai – Edge

OLB Coach Mike Smith raved about Tipa Galeai’s abilities, but noted that he could benefit from adding about 10 pounds and improving his special teams play. The practice squad is a good place for that to take place.

First reported by Ryan Wood

Abdullah Anderson – IDL

Anderson was signed just before the Green Bay Packers faced Buffalo, but he brings some NFL experience — never a bad thing — and is another option to help against the run if called upon. It also doesn’t hurt that he performed well last Saturday, tallying the third best run defense grade, per PFF.

First reported by Ryan Wood 

Innis Gaines – S

There is a lot to like about Innis Gaines, who made plays on both defense and special teams. However, as mentioned above, tackling was an issue and some overall refinement as a young player is needed.

First reported by Bill Huber

Juwann Winfree – WR

It was early, but Juwann Winfree looked like he was on pace to make the 53-man roster after his performances during mini-camp and the beginning of training camp, where he made plays in the passing game and added to the special teams unit. But an injury would keep him sidelined for much of August.

First reported by Bill Huber 

Ben Braden – OL

This is terrific news and really bolsters the Green Bay Packers offensive line depth. For much of camp, Braden was in the running at guard and during the final two preseason games, displayed that he could hold his own at right tackle.

First reported by Bill Huber 

Ray Wilborn – LB

Wilborn was a key special teams contributor during the preseason, which is an important aspect for any fringe roster player. He also tallied nine tackles, five of which came against Buffalo, and a pressure, per PFF.

Patrick Taylor – RB

Taylor began camp on the NFI list but he’s such a good fit for this offensive system as a blocker, receiver, and of course, a ball carrier, that this move made a ton of sense.

Willington Previlon – IDL

After spending 2020 on the practice squad, there was notable improvement this summer from Previlon, both on defense as well as on special teams. Another year of similar improvements could possibly result in an active roster spot in 2022.

Chris Blair – WR

Blair was apart of roster cuts earlier in training camp, but the Green Bay Packers must really like his developmental upside—keeping three receivers instead of adding depth elsewhere. Against Houston, Blair was targeted twice with no receptions.

Bronson Kaufusi – TE

Kaufusi is a converted defensive end and simply needs way more time to develop and adjust to the tight end position. He realistically may not even be ready for the active roster in 2022, but there’s plenty of athletic upside. He was on the field for 84 offensive snaps and 26 on special teams this preseason, according to PFF.

The signings of Kaufusi, Blair, Taylor, Wilborn, and Previlon were reported by the Packers.