Packers activate two rookies from injured reserve and place S Rudy Ford on injured reserve

admin | January 6, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

The Packers have made a number of moves ahead of their pivotal Week 18 game against the division foe Bears.

Green Bay chose to activate tight end Luke Musgrave and running back Emanuel Wilson from injured reserve, while putting safety Rudy Ford on IR. The team will waive cornerback David Long to make room on the roster for the activations. Finally, wide receiver Grant DuBose will be promoted from the practice squad to the active roster as a gameday callup.

Despite missing the previous six games, Musgrave, the Packers’ second-round pick out of Oregon State, still leads the Packers tight ends in receptions. Tucker Kraft, a fellow rookie and third-round pick, has successfully filled in for him. With the season on the line, having both available gives quarterback Jordan Love two good tight end targets.

Wilson, an undrafted rookie out of Fort Valley State, was thrust into a larger role than anticipated this season due to injuries in the running backs room.Aaron Jones has made a strong comeback in recent weeks, but with backup AJ Dillon out, Wilson could be thrust into a larger role if he plays.

Ford was given a little larger role in 2023 after recording three interceptions in his first year in Green Bay. Ford leads the squad with two interceptions in nine starts this season. The Packers had a good rotation in place to keep Ford and the other starting safety, Jonathan Owens and Darnell Savage, on the field. With Ford sidelined for the rest of the season, Green Bay may have to devote more time to Owens and Savage at safety and rely on linebackers to cover the void left by Ford.

Long was grabbed off waivers by the Packers from the Panthers a month ago and has yet to play a defensive snap for the Packers, only appearing on special teams. This is DuBose’s first gameday elevation. The seventh-round rookie from Charlotte might make his NFL debut tomorrow.