The Green Bay Packers announced on Friday that the team has re-signed kicker Lucas Havrisik to the practice squad, marking a notable roster move amid a string of injuries and strategic adjustments. Havrisik, who was waived earlier this week, had initially been released to make room for the promotion of receiver Will Sheppard to the 53-man roster ahead of the team’s Thanksgiving showdown against the Detroit Lions.

Interestingly, Sheppard did not see any offensive or special teams snaps during the game, though he was present as an emergency option while key receivers and injured players like Jayden Reed remained unavailable. Both Matthew Golden and Savion Williams were also sidelined due to injuries, underscoring the Packers’ need to maintain flexibility within their roster.

Looking ahead, it is expected that Jayden Reed will eventually be called up to the 53-man roster, a move likely facilitated by placing defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt on injured reserve after he suffered an ankle injury on Thursday. Initial reports indicate that Wyatt may have a fractured ankle, and the team is evaluating potential ligament damage as well. Reed’s return, coupled with Golden and Williams likely regaining full health following a “mini bye” before Green Bay’s next game against the Chicago Bears on December 7, suggests that Sheppard may no longer be needed on the active roster, potentially freeing up another spot on the 53-man roster.

This sequence of moves sheds light on why the Packers opted to place Havrisik on the practice squad rather than the active roster. The team could have theoretically added Havrisik back to the 53-man roster and returned Sheppard to the practice squad, assuming he cleared waivers. However, the decision to assign Havrisik to the practice squad offers additional flexibility for future roster adjustments, particularly as injuries continue to affect key positions.

Because Sheppard’s promotion opened a practice squad spot, the Packers did not need to make a corresponding move to accommodate Havrisik. However, if Sheppard eventually returns to the practice squad, Green Bay may need to create room, potentially promoting another player to the 53-man roster. Recent history provides examples of such adjustments; for instance, linebacker Jamon Johnson and cornerback/safety Jaylin Simpson were elevated to the gameday roster against the Lions to cover for short-term injuries. Like Sheppard, Simpson did not see game action, while Johnson contributed in special teams plays due to Isaiah McDuffie’s limited role. McDuffie, typically the team’s third linebacker and a key special teams contributor, had fewer reps on kicking situations against the Lions because he was starting as Mike linebacker in place of the injured Quay Walker.

Havrisik’s performance in 2025 has been a mix of highs and lows. The kicker has successfully made all four of his field goal attempts, including a franchise record-setting 61-yard field goal against the Arizona Cardinals. However, his last appearance was less consistent, as he missed two PATs against the New York Giants. The mixed results appear to have reinforced the Packers’ decision to move forward with Brandon McManus as the team’s primary kicker. McManus has struggled at times this season, notably playing through a quad injury, but he was nearly flawless last year, earning a three-year contract this offseason.

For the Packers, the roster shuffle highlights the challenges of managing injuries, player performance, and positional depth in a competitive NFL season. By re-signing Havrisik to the practice squad, Green Bay maintains a safety net at the kicker position while allowing flexibility at other roster spots, particularly in the wake of injuries to receivers and defensive players. The move also reflects the team’s strategic balancing act — ensuring readiness for upcoming games, including crucial matchups against NFC opponents, while preserving options for mid-week adjustments.

As the Packers prepare for their December 7 matchup against the Bears, fans will be watching closely to see how these roster decisions play out on the field. With Havrisik in reserve and McManus handling game duties, Green Bay appears focused on stabilizing the kicking game while remaining agile in response to ongoing roster challenges.