The Green Bay Packers set their initial practice squad one day after final cuts were made and the players involved cleared waivers. Each NFL team can keep up to 16 players on the practice squad (plus one player participating in the NFL’s International Player Pathway program) and those players can be elevated to the team’s active roster three times before they must be placed on the 53-man roster permanently. Here is a look at the players the Packers signed to the practice squad and what role they are likely to play this season and why the team added them to the practice squad.

2026 Packers Practice Squad Player Number One: CB Domani Jackson

The Packers surprised a few people when they waived 2026 sixth-round pick Domani Jackson. Jackson missed significant time during training camp due to a core muscle injury and had to play catch up. The Alabama alum struggled in the two preseason games he appeared in but that’s hardly surprising given the time he missed.

Most scouts viewed Jackson as a developmental prospect and now he has the opportunity to learn and develop on the practice squad. If he is elevated for a game, his most likely role would be on special teams. His chances of contributing on defense will likely come in 2027 at the earliest.

Number Two: TE Drake Dabney

Tight end Drake Dabney has returned to the Packers practice squad. He joined the Packers early last November after being waived by the Titans and was elevated to the game day roster for two games. Dabney caught one pass for three yards.

Dabney lost his roster spot when the Packers acquired Mark Redman and Jonnu Smith over the past few days. Redmond will be the blocking tight end while Smith gives the team an experienced receiver.

Don’t be surprised if Dabney is elevated for a few games. If injuries strike, he’s a reliable player to have who knows the playbook and can play offense or special teams.

2026 Packers Practice Squad Player Number Three: RB Pierre Strong

Pierre Strong played well in training camp and the preseason but after Josh Jacobs was placed on the exempt list, the Packers opted to acquire Kaleb Johnson from the Steelers rather than going with Strong. Now they have brought Strong back on the practice squad.

Strong has NFL experience and has gained 499 career yards over his NFL career. With Johnson new to the team, don’t be shocked if Strong is elevated for one of the first few games this season.

Number Four: Edge Nyjalik Kelly

Edge rusher Nyjalik Kelly had a strong preseason outing against the Cardinals last week, but it wasn’t quite enough to earn him a roster spot. He sacked the quarterback, intercepted a pass, broke up another pass and recorded three tackles for loss. Kelly got good penetration off the snap of the ball and showed promise.

The Packers kept just four edge rushers on their initial roster which will give one or more of the edge rushers on the practice squad a chance to be elevated on game day, especially before Micah Parsons projected return in October.

2026 Packers Practice Squad Player Number Five: S Murvin Kenion

Murvin Kenion had a solid training camp and preseason and proved himself to be a good tackler. He showed enough promise for the Packers to sign him to the practice squad. The undrafted free agent out of Nevada has a chance to develop into a special teams player and depth safety.

Number Six: OL Dalton Cooper

The Packers kept 10 offensive linemen on the initial 53-man roster, which was a bit of a surprise. Dalton Cooper split last season between the Packers practice squad and the Chiefs. He gives the team some depth at offensive tackle

2026 Packers Practice Squad Player Number Seven: OL Josh Gesky

Undrafted free agent Josh Gesky showed enough in training camp to earn a spot on the practice squad. He will add some depth along the interior offensive line. The Illinois alum was a long shot to make the roster but will get a chance to develop now on the practice squad. The Packers gave him a $15,000 signing bonus and a guarantee of $215,000 when they signed him.

Number Eight: WR Chris Hilton

Chris Hilton originally signed with the Commanders as an undrafted free agent this season. The LSU product signed with the Packers August 9th and will stick around on the practice squad. The Packers are deep at wide receiver so Hilton may not be the first wideout elevated from the practice squad.

2026 Packers Practice Squad Player Number Nine: LB Kristian Welch

Kristian Welch may be listed as a linebacker, but his biggest contributions come on special teams. The Wisconsin native returns to the practice squad and usually finds his way onto the roster when injuries hit during the season. Welch gives the Packers reliable veteran depth on special teams.

Number 10: DL Jaden Crumedy

The Packers signed defensive lineman Jaden Crumedy to a futures contract in January. The former Mississippi State star was originally a sixth-round pick by the Panthers in 2024 but has yet to play in a regular-season game. He will provide insurance and depth along the defensive line.

2026 Packers Practice Squad Player Number 11: WR Isaiah Neyor

Isaiah Neyor enjoyed a productive training camp and preseason but there were just too many candidates at receiver for him to make the roster. The Packers like his size at 6’4”, his attitude and his production and hope to develop him.

Neyor returns for a second go round on the Packers practice squad.

Number 12: Edge Arron Mosby

The Packers clearly like edge rusher Arron Mosby. One reason they were able to keep just four edge rushers on the initial 53-man roster is they can trust Mosby to give them reliable play on the edge and on special teams if they elevate him for any game.

Mosby works hard, is consistent and is a good teammate.

2026 Packers Practice Squad Player Number 13: OL Dillon Wade

The Packers signed guard Dillon Wade as an undrafted free agent on May 1st. The former Auburn star found his way onto the practice squad after a solid training camp and preseason performance.

The Packers have a lot of depth along the interior offensive line so Wade will get the chance to learn and develop while on the practice squad.

Looking Ahead

The Packers still have three more spots open on the practice squad as of the end of the day Monday. One position they have not addressed at all remains quarterback. Presently, the Packers only have two quarterbacks on their roster and none on the practice squad.

GM Brian Gutekunst will likely search for a developmental quarterback to add to the practice squad in the near future.

The Packers will also have turnover on the practice squad throughout the season. Thus far, all 13 players added spent time with the Packers in training camp this season.

 

 

 

Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers

Click here for more great Packers coverage

Check out our YouTube channel here