Packers Rookie Collin Oliver Nearing Return, Could Add Late-Season Spark
The Green Bay Packers are getting healthier-and just in time. Rookie linebacker Collin Oliver, who’s been sidelined all season with a hamstring injury, has officially been designated to return from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. That opens his 21-day practice window and gives the Packers a potential wildcard to inject into their defensive rotation as the playoff push heats up.
Oliver isn’t the only one trending in the right direction. Brenton Cox Jr. and MarShawn Lloyd are also nearing returns, which means Green Bay could soon have a few fresh bodies to bolster both sides of the ball. But Oliver’s situation is particularly intriguing, because while he hasn't played a down yet, his skill set offers some real versatility-and the timing couldn’t be better.
A Roster Crunch with Upside
Here’s the challenge: finding a spot for Oliver on the 53-man roster. After missing all of training camp and the first three months of the season, he’s got some ground to make up.
But there’s reason to believe he could carve out a role, especially given his ability to play both defensive end and linebacker. That kind of flexibility is gold for a team looking to manage injuries and matchups down the stretch.
And don’t overlook special teams. That’s often the proving ground for young defenders trying to make an impact, and Oliver’s athletic profile suggests he could thrive there. He might not be pushing Micah Parsons or Rashan Gary for snaps anytime soon, but there’s a real opportunity to challenge guys like Kingsley Enagbare or fellow rookie Barryn Sorrell-who, notably, hasn’t recorded a pressure since Week 6.
Late-Season X-Factor?
Let’s be clear: Oliver isn’t being handed anything. He’s still got to earn it in practice, and the Packers have some tough decisions to make when it comes to roster math. But if he can get up to speed quickly, there's a path for him to contribute-not just as depth, but potentially as a surprise spark plug in certain packages.
This is the kind of late-season storyline that can quietly shape a playoff run. A fifth-round pick stepping in and making key plays when it matters most?
That’s the dream for any contender looking to stretch its roster talent. And for a team like Green Bay, which has already weathered its fair share of injuries, having a fresh, motivated defender with positional flexibility could be a real asset.
The Road Ahead
Time is tight. Oliver has three weeks to show he belongs, and the clock is ticking on his chance to secure a postseason roster spot. But if he can stay healthy and flash the traits that got him drafted-speed off the edge, awareness in space, and the kind of motor that shows up on tape-he could be more than just a depth piece.
The Packers don’t need Oliver to be a star. They just need him to be ready. And if he is, he could add one more layer to a defense that’s already rounding into form at the right time.