The Green Bay Packers will 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 2025 season. Some will have 17, with a free spot designated for International Player Pathway players.
The Packers released 32 players on Tuesday, but many will return to Green Bay on the practice squad to start 2025. Once the practice squad is filled, a 53-man initial roster will turn into a complete 69-player (or 70, if an international player is retained) team for Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur.
Follow along as Packers Wire tracks all the additions made to the practice squad on Wednesday:
Tracking signings to Packers practice squad
Two spots left to fill
With 13 official signings and the expected signings of Clayton Tune and Dalton Cooper, the Packers appear to have two practice squad spots left to fill. Green Bay can have 17 players on the practice squad because kicker Mark McNamee is an international player.
Packers announce signing of 13 players to practice squad
The Packers signed the following players to the practice squad on Wednesday:
Packers signing pre-draft visitor to practice squad
The Packers are signing Dalton Cooper, an offensive lineman who visited Green Bay before the draft, to the practice squad. Cooper signed with the Kansas City Chiefs after going undrafted in 2025. During the preseason, Cooper gave up just one pressure and earned solid pass-blocking grades while playing 31 snaps at left guard and nine at right guard.
Packers signing QB Clayton Tune
The Packers are signing a new quarterback: Clayton Tune, a fifth-round pick of the Cardinals in the 2023 draft. Green Bay passed on bringing back Taylor Elgersma and Sean Clifford and went with a more experienced option.
Packers bringing back Mecole Hardman on PS
A big one: the Packers are returning veteran Mecole Hardman on the practice squad. An experienced returner, Hardman could be elevated and help the Packers in the return game early in the regular season.
Another WR signing: Neyor returns
The Packers are bringing back Isaiah Neyor, an undrafted rookie receiver who flashed some ability after landing in Green Bay in early August.
New QB for Packers?
Per Bill Huber, the Packers will not be bringing back Taylor Elgersma or Sean Clifford on the practice squad, so a new third quarterback is expected Wednesday. Neither Elgersma nor Clifford was particularly impressive this summer, and the Packers need to have a developmental option to prepare for potentially becoming the No. 2 option (assuming Malik Willis leaves for a chance to start next offseason) in 2026.
Packers bringing back OT Brant Banks
The undrafted rookie looked promising during the preseason, especially as a pass blocker. Banks didn’t allow a single pressure over 50 snaps at left tackle, a position where he started only one game at the college ranks.
Packers signing WR Sheppard
Our first practice squad signing is here: Per Bill Huber, the Packers are signing rookie receiver Will Sheppard. He caught a touchdown pass from rookie Taylor Elgersma in the preseason finale. Speaking of Elgersma, the Packers are NOT signing him to the practice squad as the third quarterback.
When can the Packers start officially signing practice squad players?
The claiming period for players placed on waivers expires at 11:00 a.m. CT on Wednesday. Teams can start forming the practice squad immediately after.
Who did the Packers release on Tuesday?
The Packers released the following players at final cuts, listed by position:
McNamee is an international player and would qualify for the 17th practice squad spot.
Packers initial 53-man roster
The Packers set their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday. It is subject to change, starting Wednesday.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Green Bay Packers practice squad: Tracking signings to start 2025
Reporting by Zach Kruse, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
