The Green Bay Packers took advantage of their off day Tuesday to bring in six players for workouts, signaling they’re not done tinkering with the back end of the roster - especially the practice squad. With one open spot on their 17-man unit and a few recent moves already in the books, the front office seems to be keeping its options open as the team heads into the final stretch of the season.
Let’s break down who came through the building and what each player brings to the table.
OL Karsen Barnhart
Barnhart is a name some college football fans will recognize. He was a key piece of Michigan’s offensive line during their national championship run, earning second-team All-Big Ten honors in his senior year. Though he has some experience at tackle, his frame - just under 6'5" - likely limits him to guard duties in the NFL.
Since entering the league as an undrafted free agent with the Chargers in 2024, Barnhart has bounced around a bit. He made the Chargers’ practice squad under head coach Jim Harbaugh (his former college coach), but was cut in 2025.
From there, he had brief stints with the Broncos and Buccaneers, most recently being released by Tampa Bay after a short stay. This was his second workout since that release, having also visited the Titans.
Barnhart is still trying to find a foothold in the league, but his positional flexibility and championship pedigree make him worth a look - especially for a team like Green Bay that values versatility in the trenches.
OL Caleb Etienne
Etienne’s college journey was anything but linear, but it’s clear he’s got the kind of resilience teams look for. The New Orleans native originally committed to Ole Miss but had to reroute through junior college due to academic issues. After playing at Fort Scott and Butler Community Colleges (with the 2020 season wiped out), he landed at Oklahoma State, where he started at left tackle in 2022.
He transferred to BYU for his final two years, shifting to guard in 2023 and back to left tackle in 2024. That move paid off - he was named a first-team All-Big 12 selection.
Etienne signed with the Bengals as an undrafted free agent but was waived with an injury designation at final cuts. He reached an injury settlement in early September and has only had one other workout since - with the Titans two weeks ago. His size and experience at multiple positions could make him an intriguing depth option if he’s fully healthy.
DT Ross Blacklock
Blacklock is the most experienced name on this list - and by a wide margin. A former second-round pick (40th overall) by the Texans in 2020, he’s logged 44 NFL games and over 900 defensive snaps. While he hasn’t played in a regular-season game since 2023, he did spend time with the Giants’ practice squad late last season and signed a reserve/futures deal before being released ahead of the 2025 draft.
This was Blacklock’s first known workout since December 2024, so Green Bay’s interest could signal that they’re keeping tabs on veterans with proven NFL reps. He brings size, power, and experience to the defensive interior - traits that could come in handy down the stretch or in case of injury.
DT Isaiah Raikes
Raikes is a younger, less proven option at defensive tackle. After four years at Texas A&M, he transferred to Auburn for his final college season.
He went undrafted in 2025 and initially signed with the Titans, but didn’t make the final roster. He was briefly on Tennessee’s practice squad before being released within the week.
Since then, Raikes has only had one other workout - with the Cardinals in early October. He’s a developmental player, but his SEC background and frame could make him a project worth investing in for a team looking to bolster its defensive line depth.
CB Mike Reid
Reid was another undrafted rookie in 2025, signing with the Panthers after the draft. Though listed as a cornerback, he saw time at safety and in the nickel during Carolina’s camp, showcasing some positional flexibility in the secondary.
He was waived at final cuts and signed to the Panthers’ practice squad, but was released in October. In November, the Seahawks brought him in for a workout and added him to their practice squad - only to waive him a week later. This workout with the Packers marks his first since leaving Seattle.
Reid’s ability to play multiple spots in the secondary could be appealing, especially for a Green Bay team that’s dealt with injuries and has leaned on practice squad call-ups throughout the year.
S Omar Brown
Brown is a familiar face in Green Bay. He spent the last two training camps with the Packers and was having a standout summer before a scary injury in August - a collapsed lung suffered during a preseason game against the Colts. He was placed on injured reserve and later released with an injury settlement.
This is Brown’s first on-field workout since that injury. While he did visit the Jets on November 21st, that was a medical check-in rather than a full workout. For the Packers to bring him in now shows they’re still interested in his potential - and monitoring his recovery closely.
Brown was a standout during camp, Family Night, and the preseason. If he’s healthy, he could be a valuable depth piece in the secondary.
What This Means for the Packers
Right now, Green Bay has two safeties on the practice squad: Johnathan Baldwin and Jaylin Simpson. Baldwin came in with one of the higher UDFA guarantees on the roster - second only to Nazir Stackhouse - while Simpson, a fifth-round pick by the Colts in 2024, has already seen time on the active roster and brings cornerback experience as well.
The Packers may be eyeing a few changes here. Whether it’s to replace current practice squad players or simply to keep tabs on potential emergency call-ups, these workouts show the front office is staying proactive. With the season entering its most physically demanding stretch, roster flexibility is key - and Green Bay’s doing its homework.