Packers Begin Assembling 2025 Practice Squad Including 3-Time Super Bowl Champion

Following the NFL's deadline to reduce rosters to 53 players, teams including the Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots began assembling their practice squads. The Packers, after releasing Mecole Hardman, a three-time Super Bowl champion, signed him to their practice squad to maintain veteran experience alongside a younger receiving group, and are utilizing an exemption to carry a 17-player practice squad including Irish kicker Mark McNamee. The Patriots also filled out their practice squad by signing several players who participated in their training camp, including tight ends CJ Dippre and Gee Scott Jr., and other positional players. The practice squads can comprise up to 16 players, with an additional 17th slot reserved for an International Player Pathway participant. The Packers have started signing players like wide receiver Will Sheppard, who had a strong collegiate career, and anticipate further additions as practice squad rosters are finalized. These moves allow teams to retain developmental players and maintain depth beyond the main roster.