The Green Bay Packers made a notable roster adjustment on Monday, one that reflects both necessity and long-term planning. Rookie tight end John FitzPatrick has been placed on injured reserve after tearing his Achilles, a tough blow for a young player trying to carve out a role in a crowded position group. In his place, the Packers activated rookie edge rusher Collin Oliver from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, a move that had to happen by today or Oliver would have been shut down for the season.
Oliver, a fifth-round pick, missed all of training camp with a hamstring injury, but the team opened his 21-day practice window on December 1. With the clock ticking, Green Bay decided to bring him onto the active roster, giving the defense a fresh body at a position where they’re already stacked-but also one that thrives on depth and rotation.
This move gives the Packers a total of seven defensive ends and six defensive tackles on the 53-man roster. That’s a heavy investment in the trenches, but not entirely surprising given how much defensive coordinator Joe Barry leans on waves of pass rushers to keep pressure consistent throughout a game.
Oliver brings a burst off the edge that Green Bay doesn’t have in abundance. He’s a pure speed-rusher, and while no one’s confusing him with Micah Parsons, he’s probably the closest prototype the Packers have on the roster.
His skill set offers a different wrinkle to a pass rush that already features established names and emerging contributors. If he can stay healthy and adjust to the speed of the pro game quickly, he could find himself in the rotation sooner rather than later.
On the offensive side, the loss of FitzPatrick comes at a precarious time. With Josh Whyle still sidelined due to a concussion, Luke Musgrave is currently the only healthy tight end on the active roster. That’s not a sustainable setup for a team that leans heavily on tight ends in both the run game and play-action packages.
Head coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged the tight end shortage and mentioned that he and GM Brian Gutekunst “have a plan” to address it. Any incoming move at tight end will require a corresponding roster adjustment, but it’s clear the Packers are actively working on a solution. Whether that means elevating someone from the practice squad, dipping into free agency, or making another roster shuffle remains to be seen.
For now, the Packers are betting on Oliver’s upside and hoping Musgrave can carry the load at tight end until reinforcements arrive. It’s a reminder that in the NFL, especially late in the season, roster flexibility and depth management can be just as crucial as game-planning.