Green Bay Packers 2022 practice squad tracker and analysis
By Paul Bretl
The Green Bay Packers 53-man roster is set, so the next step before the regular season can begin is for them to build out their 16-player practice squad.
Roughly 800-plus players around the NFL were cut prior to Tuesday’s initial 53-man roster deadline, and the Green Bay Packers can make an attempt to sign any of them, as long as they aren’t claimed on waivers first.
However with that said, in most instances, teams end up signing the same players that were a part of their training camp roster, with the familiarity being one of the big reasons as to why.
Of the 16 players on the practice squad, 10 cannot have more than two accrued NFL seasons, while the remaining six roster spots can go to veterans.
Practice squad players can also be elevated to the game-day roster on three occasions throughout the year. On the fourth elevation, however, that player must then be signed to the 53-man roster–which would then result in a corresponding cut.
Throughout the course of the season, practice squad players can be signed by other teams, but they must then be placed on the 53-man roster. They cannot be signed from one practice squad to another without being released first.
Lastly, as we’ve seen from GM Brian Gutekunst, he is not afraid to constantly churn the bottom of the Packers roster and practice squad. Meaning that the practice squad that we currently see will likely undergo a number of changes over the course of the upcoming months.
So with all of that in mind, here is a rundown, along with some thoughts, on each of the Green Bay Packers’ initial practice squad additions.
QB Danny Etling
An easy decision, the Packers needed a third quarterback on the practice squad as an emergency option. Etling went 17 for 22 as a passer in the preseason with a touchdown and no interceptions. We also saw his scrambling ability on display.
(via Matt Schneidman)
IDL Jack Heflin
Heflin certainly put himself in position to make the 53-man roster with his play in the preseason with his play in the run game. His five run-stops, according to PFF ($$), were tied for the seventh most among interior defenders. He also forced a fumble.
(via Tom Silverstein)
CB Rico Gafford
With 4.22 speed, Gafford brings a very intriguing ability to the football field. He was a part of two big plays given up by the Packers defense this preseason but he could be a core special teams player if he ever makes his way to the 53-man roster, where the Packers have just five cornerbacks at the moment. He was active on several special teams phases this summer.
(via Tom Silverstein)
RBs Patrick Taylor and Tyler Goodson
Matt LaFleur told reporters that the Packers thought hard about keeping a third running back on the 53-man, but that they were able to get both Goodson and Taylor back on the practice squad. This preseason, Goodson displayed playmaking ability both as a ball carrier and a pass catcher while Taylor was more sound in pass protection and on special teams, two other key areas to playing running back.
IDL Chris Slayton
Like Jack Heflin, Slayton put himself in position to make the final roster. He particularly impressed as a pass rusher, where he logged five pressures, the second-most on the Packers this summer.
(via Ryan Wood)
CB Kiondre Thomas
Thomas had a strong preseason, both on defense and special teams. He allowed only one reception on seven targets while also being a willing tackler. Thomas was also utilized frequently on multiple special teams units.
(via Aaron Wilson)
K Ramiz Ahmed
Both in practice and in the preseason, Ahmed provided some stability to the kicker position with Mason Crosby sidelined. He will now be the emergency option for the team.
(via Tom Silverstein)
WR Travis Fulgham
Fulgham didn’t see a ton of action in the preseason given that he was a late addition. However, he has NFL experience, including a stretch with Philadelphia in 2020 where he had 378 receiving yards own just four games.
(via Tom Pelissero)
Edge La’Darius Hamilton
Hamilton found some success this summer, regularly competing with the second unit early on and making some splash plays. Ultimately, he couldn’t find that consistency—like several of the other edge rushers on this roster. Hamilton saw some regular season snaps in 2021.
(via Ryan Wood)
CB Benjie Franklin
Franklin is an outside addition, as a 2022 undrafted rookie from Tarleton State after spending training camp in Jacksonville. He stands 6’0” tall and weighs 185 pounds. Over his final two seasons, Franklin played nearly 1,200 defensive snaps, most of which took place on the boundary. He allowed 52 completions on 101 targets at 12.3 yards per catch with four interceptions and 10 pass breakups per PFF. Franklin was on the field for 94 special teams snaps in 2021.
(via Jamal St. Cyr)
Edge Kobe Jones
Jones had about a one week stretch during the middle of training camp where he was seemingly making a big play or two every practice. This led to more opportunities with the second defense, including a few snaps with the ones. He also led the edge rushers in special teams snaps. But again, consistency was an issue.
(via Matt Schneidman)
LB Ray Wilborn
Wilborn was fighting for a fifth linebacker spot that didn’t end up existing. His path to making the team was going to be through special teams where he was second in snaps and first in tackles.
(via Matt Schneidman)
OT Caleb Jones
Jones ended up allowing only one pressure in 45 pass-blocking reps at both tackle positions this preseason per PFF. Of all the Packers to make it back to the practice squad, Jones may have been the most likely to get claimed given his size and athleticism. His technique needs refinement, but he’s a high upside player.
(via Wendell Ferreira)
WR Juwann Winfree
Many — including myself — thought that Juwann Winfree was a roster lock after Aaron Rodgers had continually praised him this summer. Winfree didn’t make many splash plays but he was steady throughout training camp. He also started on a few different special teams units, but he wasn’t great by any means. At the end of the day, the Packers went with Samori Toure and his higher ceiling.
(via Mike McCartney)
Please note, this article will be updated throughout the day as we learn which specific players that the Green Bay Packers have signed to their practice squad.