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Israel Abanikanda Israel Abanikanda Finds home in Green Bay
Fri, Jul 25, 2025, 9:27 PM
The Packers claimed Abanikanda off waivers Friday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Analysis: Abanikanda quickly found a new home after being waived by the 49ers on Thursday. The 2023 fifth-rounder spent the entire 2024 campaign on the Jets' practice squad, but he'll now have an opportunity to earn a spot on the Packers' 53-man roster. Chris Brooks, Amar Johnson (undisclosed) and Jalen White are Abanikanda's primary competitors for the fourth RB spot on the depth chart behind Josh Jacobs, MarShawn Lloyd and Emanuel Wilson. |
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Savion Williams Savion Williams Dealing with concussion
Fri, Jul 25, 2025, 12:29 PM
Williams is not practicing Friday due to a concussion, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Williams was reportedly having a nice start to training camp, according to Demovsky, but he figures to miss some time with the head injury. Green Bay used a third-round pick, 87th overall, on Williams in the 2025 Draft, but there's not a clear path to meaningful playing time as a rookie, even with Christian Watson rehabbing a torn ACL suffered last Week 18. The Packers still have a loaded wideout room that features Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks and first-round rookie Matthew Golden. |
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Tucker Kraft Tucker Kraft Aiming to get more downfield looks
Thu, Jul 24, 2025, 6:23 PM
Coach Matt LaFleur said Thursday that the Packers "absolutely" believe they can get Kraft more involved in the downfield passing game this season, Mark Oldacres of USA Today reports.
Analysis: Among 45 qualified tight ends last season, Kraft's average depth of target (4.7 yards) was 42nd at the position. He did most of his work on underneath looks at or close to the line of scrimmage. As a result, Kraft led all NFL tight ends in yards after catch per reception (8.8 yards) and was 14th in yards per route (1.55). The Packers have a ton of mouths to feed in the passing offense, so getting Kraft more involved down the field may be easier said than done. Kraft is being selected as a borderline TE1 in early fantasy football drafts this summer. |
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Bo Melton Bo Melton Getting work at CB
Wed, Jul 23, 2025, 4:41 PM
Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst told reporters Wednesday that Melton will mostly play at corner during training camp and the preseason, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Melton received reps at corner during minicamp in June. It appears the 2022 seventh-rounder will officially make the switch to defense, though he'll likely operate as a depth piece in the secondary behind Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine and Nate Hobbs. Melton appeared in all 17 regular-season games for the Packers in 2024 and posted eight catches (on 17 targets) for 91 yards while adding eight carries for 54 yards. |
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Christian Watson Christian Watson Progressing, but won't be rushed
Wed, Jul 23, 2025, 1:21 PM
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said Wednesday that Watson (knee) is "a freak" and "pressing to get out there" but still won't be rushed into practices this summer, Ryan Wood of USA Today reports.
Analysis: Watson suffered his ACL tear in Week 18 last season, giving him almost exactly nine months between the date of the injury and Week 1 of 2025. He's starting training camp on the PUP list, with Gutekunst's comments Wednesday suggesting Watson might remain out of practice for a while. Week 1 may still be a big ask, but it at least sounds like Watson is on schedule (or ahead of it) in his rehab process, with a chance to contribute in the first half of the season. The Packers open training camp with Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks are their top wide receivers. |
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Christian Watson Christian Watson Officially on active/PUP list
Fri, Jul 18, 2025, 4:35 PM
The Packers placed Watson (knee) on the active/PUP list Friday, Zach Jacobson of 247Sports.com reports.
Analysis: This move is merely procedural as Watson continues his recovery from the torn ACL he suffered in his right knee Week 18 of last season. Considering he's only a bit more than six months removed from the injury, he seems hard-pressed to progress enough to be available Week 1 against the Lions on Sunday, Sept. 7, but coach Matt LaFleur told Ryan Wood of USA Today in early May that Watson "looks like a freak, like he always does. In a positive way." Watson's status will be monitored as the Packers embark on training camp and the preseason, but cut-down day on Aug. 26 will be of keen interst to see if the team moves him to the reserve/PUP list, which would require him to miss the first four games of the upcoming campaign. |
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Josh Jacobs Josh Jacobs Still No. 1 RB, but backup is TBD
Thu, Jul 17, 2025, 6:32 PM
Jacobs remains the Packers' unquestioned No. 1 running back entering the 2025 season, but his primary backup is to be determined, Mike Spofford of the team's official site reports.
Analysis: Green Bay seemingly used a third-round pick in the 2024 Draft on MarShawn Lloyd to solidify its reserve RB ranks behind Jacobs, but Lloyd managed just one appearance (and seven touches) as a rookie due to a variety of health concerns. With Lloyd sidelined for most of last season, Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks combined for 161 touches, which was a far cry from Jacobs' 337. Jacobs boasts four campaigns of 1,000-plus rushing yards in his six-year career, and considering the workload he handled in 2024, he's set to take on a similar burden this year. Still, if Lloyd proves his health and sheds his fumble-prone label from college, he could swap places with Wilson as the No. 2 option in the Packers backfield. |
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Bo Melton Bo Melton Taking reps at cornerback
Tue, Jun 10, 2025, 6:43 PM
Melton was running cornerback drills during minicamp Tuesday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Melton was fifth among Green Bay's pass catchers in snaps in 2024, but after the team added rookie first-rounder Matthew Golden, rookie third-rounder Savion Williams and veteran Mecole Hardman this offseason, Melton's place on the roster became uncertain. His 4.34 speed at least allows him to project as a special teams asset though, and the Packers may get creative to try to find a way to keep him on the 53-man roster. At least for now, there's an opening at cornerback thanks to the recent release of Jaire Alexander (knee). |
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Mecole Hardman Mecole Hardman Running routes in OTAs
Wed, May 28, 2025, 1:30 PM
Hardman (knee) participated during OTAs on Wednesday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Hardman finished the 2024 season on Kansas City's injured reserve list with a knee issue, but it doesn't seem to be hindering him anymore with offseason workouts now underway. Hardman will have to do everything he can to try to impress Green Bay's coaching staff, as he might not be a lock to make the final 53-man roster after the team added Matthew Golden and Savion Williams via the draft. |
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Romeo Doubs Romeo Doubs Putting in work at OTAs
Wed, May 28, 2025, 12:24 PM
Doubs (concussion) is participating in OTAs on Wednesday and was spotted getting in extra work with passing game coordinator Jason Vrabel during the special-teams period, Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.
Analysis: Doubs, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, has gained full clearance to participate in OTAs after he sustained a concussion during Green Bay's wild-card round loss to the Eagles in January. Jayden Reed (shoulder) and newcomer Mecole Hardman (knee) are also practicing Wednesday. Rookie first-round pick Matthew Golden and third-rounder Savion Williams represent additional notable additions to the Packers' wide receiver corps, which also returns Dontayvion Wicks and Christian Watson (ACL) in what looks like one of the league's most crowded units, though Watson's recovery could realistically sideline him until mid-season. Reed appears destined to dominate slot reps, and general manager Brian Gutekunst has talked him up as Green Bay's top wideout, while Golden's draft capital and playmaking ability give the team every incentive to find him a starting role. Doubs has proven himself as a jack-of-all-trades and a capable starter, but he's now entering a contract year facing tough competition for targets and snaps. |
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Jayden Reed Jayden Reed Taking part in OTAs
Wed, May 28, 2025, 12:10 PM
Reed (shoulder) is participating in on-field positional drills at OTAs on Wednesday, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Reed appears back to full health after having suffered a dislocated shoulder during Green Bay's 22-10 wild-card loss to the Eagles in January, an injury for which he didn't require surgery. The third-year pro has prioritized bulking up early in the offseason, with passing-game coordinator Jason Vrable saying in mid-May that Reed is currently 199 pounds after playing at 187 pounds in 2024. The Packers' selection of Matthew Golden in the first round of April's draft, plus Savion Williams in the third round, provides Jordan Love and the passing game the requisite tools to grow more dynamic in 2025, a development that could prove positive for Reed in Year 3 even if he faces increased target competition. Romeo Doubs (concussion) and newcomer Mecole Hardman (knee) are also practicing Wednesday. |
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MarShawn Lloyd MarShawn Lloyd Practicing without restrictions
Thu, May 22, 2025, 10:37 AM
Lloyd (appendix) has no restrictions at practice and is slated to be a full participant when Green Bay's OTAs begin May 27, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic reports.
Analysis: Lloyd was limited to just one appearance in his rookie season, first due to a hamstring injury sustained during the Packers' preseason opener, then an ankle sprain that required seven weeks on IR to heal, and finally appendicitis that popped up just after his practice window opened. Now that he's healthy, the 2024 third-rounder again faces opportunity to compete for the No. 2 role behind workhorse Josh Jacobs. Green Bay didn't make notable additions to the running back room in free agency or April's draft, though Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks proved capable last season and remain on hand. Lloyd boasts playmaking speed and pass-catching chops, but after having missed most of training camp and the regular season in Year 1, he may still have developmental work to do relating to the ball-security issues that plagued him in college. |
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Jayden Reed Jayden Reed Bulks up in offseason
Wed, May 14, 2025, 1:41 PM
Packers passing game coordinator Jason Vrable said Wednesday that Reed (shoulder) has bulked up to 199 pounds this offseason and is acting as a leader in the wide receiver room, Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Reed's playing weight was listed at 187 pounds last season, so if he's able to retain his quickness despite adding bulk, additional muscle will boost his odds of managing a Year 3 breakout. General manager Brian Gutekunst said that the team still views Reed as its "top receiver" despite drafting Matthew Golden (23rd overall) and Savion Williams (87th overall) in the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, but it's nonetheless difficult to project exactly how much target volume the slot specialist will be able to demand in what now looks like one of the league's more crowded WR rooms. Reed has managed to lead Green Bay in both receptions and receiving yards in his first two seasons in the league, but he's not yet strung together a 1,000-yard season. He was forced out of the team's playoff loss to Philadelphia early due to a dislocated shoulder, but Reed was able to avoid surgery and offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said he "looks great" at voluntary practices. |
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Christian Watson Christian Watson Progressing in rehab
Fri, May 2, 2025, 1:38 PM
Head coach Matt LaFleur said Friday that Watson (knee) has "been outstanding" in his recovery from the torn right ACL he suffered in early January and is "working hard," Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official site reports.
Analysis: LaFleur said Watson's work ethic approaching his ACL rehab has been impressive, per Ryan Wood of USA Today, but the timing of the young wideout's injury sheds serious doubt on his availability for the early portion of the regular season. Green Bay also invested significant draft capital at the wide receiver position in April's draft in the form of first-round pick Matthew Golden and third-rounder Savion Williams. With all of Jayden Reed (shoulder), Romeo Doubs (concussion), Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton, Mecole Hardman (knee) and Malik Heath also on hand, the Packers boast one of the league's most crowded receiver rooms, meaning Watson will face tough competition for snaps even if he enjoys an exceptional recovery timeline. |
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Emanuel Wilson Emanuel Wilson Re-signs with Packers
Tue, Apr 29, 2025, 7:33 PM
Wilson signed his exclusive rights free-agent tender with the Packers on Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Analysis: Wilson is slated to return to the Packers where he carried the ball 103 times for 502 yards and four touchdowns in addition to catching 11 passes for 48 yards and one touchdown last season. The 25-year-old should be in line to be the primary backup behind Josh Jacobs during the upcoming campaign. |
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Bo Melton Bo Melton Returning to Green Bay
Tue, Apr 29, 2025, 7:25 PM
Melton signed his exclusive rights free-agent tender with he Packers on Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reports.
Analysis: Melton is now officially set to return to Green Bay where he hauled in eight passes for 91 yards in 17 games last season in addition to carrying the ball eight times for 54 yards. He will likely compete for a spot as a depth receiver and can contribute as a returner and special teamer as well. |
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Romeo Doubs Romeo Doubs Facing tough snap competition
Mon, Apr 28, 2025, 12:07 PM
Doubs (concussion) has new competition for snaps and targets after the Packers drafted WR Matthew Golden in the first round and WR Savion Williams in the third round.
Analysis: Doubs is in the final year of his rookie contract, coming off a 2024 campaign in which he suffered two concussions and was suspended a week for skipping practice. He finished the year with career highs for catch rate (63.9 percent) and yards per target (8.3) while averaging a team-high 5.5 targets per game, but it probably wasn't enough to change the general evaluation on him. Doubs is good enough to start in the NFL, but not good enough that you necessarily want him in the starting lineup, which means he may have to compete for his job this summer. With Jayden Reed (shoulder) seemingly locked in for slot work, the Packers have Doubs, Golden, Williams and Dontayvion Wicks ready to compete for perimeter snaps -- plus, Christian Watson (ACL) may eventually make his own case later in the season. There hasn't been any update on Doubs' health since his second concussion of the season knocked him out of a playoff loss to Philadelphia. |
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John FitzPatrick John FitzPatrick Returns to Green Bay
Mon, Apr 14, 2025, 4:05 PM
The Packers signed FitzPatrick to a contract on Monday, NFL.com reports.
Analysis: FitzPatrick entered the offseason as a restricted free agent but wasn't tendered by Green Bay, and he now re-signs with the team. Across nine regular-season appearances with the Packers in 2024, the tight end secured his only target for two yards. He contributed as a blocker on the majority of his 69 offensive snaps. |
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Mecole Hardman Mecole Hardman Signing with Packers
Tue, Mar 18, 2025, 7:09 PM
The Packers signed Hardman (knee) to a one-year deal Tuesday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports.
Analysis: Hardman will head to Green Bay after catching 12 passes for 90 yards and carrying the ball five times for an additional 62 yards and a touchdown in 12 games for the Chiefs last season. He suffered a knee injury in December that landed him on injured reserve but can contribute on both offense and as a returner once healthy. |
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John FitzPatrick John FitzPatrick Fits in with Green Bay
Tue, Jan 28, 2025, 10:37 PM
FitzPatrick was targeted once and caught one pass for two yards across nine games in the 2024 regular season.
Analysis: FitzPatrick got some opportunities after being scooped off Atlanta's practice squad in October, but he wound up playing only 69 snaps on offense and was an afterthought in the passing game. It remains to be seen if Green Bay will retain FitzPatrick over the offseason, but if it does, he will compete for a roster spot during training camp. |
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