Packers: 3 practice squad players who can contribute in 2021

The Green Bay Packers made some surprise cuts last Tuesday when they were forced to trim their roster from 80 players down to 53. Although some guys weren’t able to make the initial 53-man roster, there were a number of strong preseason performers who slid onto Green Bay’s 16-man practice squad.

The roster and practice squad can be a fluid affair, especially during the ongoing COVID pandemic. These guys will be around the coaching staff every single day, practicing with the team and showing them the improvements they make along the way. That means, there could be a few guys who make their way onto the active gameday roster at some point.

Let’s check out three guys who are currently on the practice squad, but could contribute to the team in 2021.

The Green Bay Packers could see contributions in the 2021 NFL season from these three current members of their practice squad.

Ben Braden, Guard

Ben Braden received the coach’s high praises in the offseason, but quickly fell off a cliff in training camp. Rookie fourth-rounder Royce Newman leapfrogged Braden and put himself into a position to earn one of the starting guard spots.

Meanwhile, Braden’s freefall resulted in him not even making the initial roster and having to sign on the practice squad. Still, we shouldn’t give up on him quite yet. Braden’s proven throughout his career that he’s a grinder who will keep on working. Injuries happen all the time along the offensive line. Expect Braden to stay ready and capitalize on any opportunities he gets.

Innis Gaines, Safety

It was a major surprise to see both Innis Gaines and Christian Uphoff released from the team. Most people expected at least one, if not both to make it. However, only one of them made it to the practice squad and that was Gaines. Although he whimpered down the stretch, Gaines showed off an ability to work hard and play some special teams throughout the summer. With the Packers only keeping four safeties, Gaines will be the next man up should an injury occur.

Steven Wirtel, Long Snapper

It’s likely Green Bay has the worst long-snapper in the NFL in Hunter Bradley. It’s bad enough that Bradley can’t tackle on return units, and it’s even worse he struggles with his primary task–snapping the football.

There were numerous times throughout camp and preseason when JK Scott saved Bradley’s poor snaps with his good hands and ball placement. The Packers understand Bradley’s struggles and signed Steven Wirtel to the practice squad. Wirtel hasn’t appeared in an NFL game, but you can bet your bottom dollar the Packers will keep a close eye on how he progresses on the practice squad.