Packers 2021 Practice Squad is Announced
The Packers have announced their initial 2021 Practice Squad.
By JerseyAl
The Green Bay Packers announced today the completion of their Practice Squad (for now) as they signed the maximum sixteen players to be on it. All were with the Packers in camp.
- QB Kurt Benkert
- G Ben Braden
- G/T Jacob Capra
- G/T Cole Van Lanen
- TE Bronson Kaufusi
- WR Equanimeous St. Brown
- WR Juwann Winfree
- WR Chris Blair
- RB Patrick Taylor
- DL Abdullah Anderson
- DL Willington Previlon
- LB Tipa Galeai
- LB Ray Wilborn
- CB Kabion Ento
- S Innis Gaines
- K JJ Molson
2021 PRACTICE SQUAD RULES
- 16 players on a practice squad — six more than previous seasons.
- Six of the 16 slots can be used on players of ANY experience level.
- Teams can protect up to four practice squad players per week (to be designated on Tuesdays) who cannot be signed by another team the remainder of the week.
- Players can be activated on game day before the team announces their inactives. A player doesn’t necessarily have to be signed to the main roster for the move. This can happen with up to two practice squad players per week, but the same player can’t be elevated two weeks in a row and can only be elevated twice per season before he would have to be signed to the active roster his third time.
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"Jersey Al" Bracco is the Editor-In-Chief, part owner and wearer of many hats for CheeseheadTV.com and PackersTalk.com. He is also a recovering Mason Crosby truther. Follow Al on twitter at @JerseyalGBP.
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Comments (57)
packer132
September 02, 2021 at 08:07 am
Good squad and all played in camp or preseason. No real surprises to me other than St. Brown and Blair over Begelton at WR. The coaches see these guys everyday and know more than any of us armchair GM's. I'm happy to have Braden and Van Lanen as line depth, as injuries happen every year. They must like Molson (K) unless he is just insurance for Mason if covid or injury happens. Week #1 in Jacksonville is projected to be 88 and cloudy, which is much better than the loud Superdome in New Orleans. Looking forward to a great season for the Pack.
dobber
September 01, 2021 at 01:42 pm
"No real surprises to me other than St. Brown and Blair over Begelton at WR."
Remember that just because a player doesn't appear on the PS doesn't mean the Packers didn't try to bring him back....
Coldworld
September 01, 2021 at 02:35 pm
Right, a player has to accept the invite. Bagelton and Williams might well think other teams offer a better chance of roster time than the Packers, where he is probably behind Winfree at least even before a good six on the roster. Williams may just have felt a fresh start was beneficial.
dobber
September 01, 2021 at 02:40 pm
At this stage, would we be terribly surprised if Begelton decided to go back to the CFL?
I've found no indication that Uphoff has landed on anyone's PS.
Coldworld
September 01, 2021 at 05:14 pm
If he wasn’t picked up his rights are owned so quite possible. The question is whether he chose to after being cut perhaps.
WestCoastPackerBacker
September 01, 2021 at 06:33 pm
Well Begelton is 28 and St Brown is 24. He may have more upside at this stage. Gives him a little more time to see if he can get/stay healthy. Also, he was a draft pick. Hard to give those up.
WestCoastPackerBacker
September 01, 2021 at 06:33 pm
Well Begelton is 28 and St Brown is 24. He may have more upside at this stage. Gives him a little more time to see if he can get/stay healthy. Also, he was a draft pick. Hard to give those up.
Lphill
September 01, 2021 at 01:28 pm
St Btown over Begelton?
Packers1985
September 01, 2021 at 01:30 pm
Atleast they should've signed him over chris blair
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
September 01, 2021 at 01:40 pm
Understand everyone's thoughts and concerns about ESB, but as I have said many times the guy is very talented. With almost zero WR's signed next year if he is actually healthy and still on PS, they could sign him very cheaply.
greengold
September 01, 2021 at 02:03 pm
I agree with you, Knock. When healthy, he’s a dynamic playmaker.
I’ve been a huge Reggie Begelton proponent, mainly for his toughness, reliable hands, pure slot WR abilities, and his CFL All-Star experience. In the two years since his UDFA signing, we’ve added other pure slot WRs.
Begelton, admittedly, lacks speed. It’s the one thing you can’t teach. ESB has that in spades.
CheesyTex
September 01, 2021 at 06:54 pm
Absolutely, Knock and greengold.
Then there is that one other thing about having #12's trust...
Coldworld
September 01, 2021 at 02:37 pm
He is, but he’s got a lot of seeming negatives. I’m not thrilled. Time to move on in my book. He could be the one who got Bagelton’s spot if he did decline. Blair is a Taylor-like project (raw as they come but athletic).
stockholder
September 01, 2021 at 01:42 pm
Yep. Love worked with St.Brown during the off season.
Packers1985
September 01, 2021 at 01:32 pm
Expected both begelton and uphoff to be on the list but overall a great practice squad though.
Go Pack Go
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
September 01, 2021 at 01:46 pm
Uphoff, Dexter, and Begelton gone. Wonder if someone pilfered them or if Packers did not want them? Didn't really care about Dexter and Begelton is just a guy. Uphoff I really don't know his long term potential.
Molson is interesting!
Like many of the players resigned. The guys I wanted are resigned. Happy, and we will wait and see who comes and goes in the next 24 hours.
greengold
September 01, 2021 at 02:20 pm
I'm not surprised the Packers didn't try to re-sign Dexter Williams to the PS. His pass pro was always lacking.
As for Uphoff, he was an unlikely victim of COVID, having had his Senior season cancelled. Maybe it was too much time away from football for him. Have no idea if they tried to re-sign him.
Begelton clearly lacked the necessary speed to gain separation. As good a route runner as he was, speed was always a problem for him. His open field tackling left something to be desired as well, as I noticed in these recent preseason games. Makes for a tough sell. Nice guy, tho, and I wish him well.
croatpackfan
September 01, 2021 at 03:03 pm
As I already stated JJ Molson is next Packers kicker. I assume Mason will retire after this season and Molson showed a lot of potential. Also, he is security blanket if any kind of injury will happen to Mason...
Ryan3468
September 02, 2021 at 09:06 am
If and when Molson gets a shot I think his nickname should be Ice. As in Molson Ice.
LambeauPlain
September 02, 2021 at 02:43 pm
I heard his nickname was "Suds".
greengold
September 01, 2021 at 01:55 pm
Whew! Thrilled to see Ray Wilborn and Innis Gaines made it back to the Pack! I’m 100% convinced both players will help this Packers team in a big way this season.
croatpackfan
September 01, 2021 at 03:07 pm
I'm just sorry that Denmark did not signed to PS. He looks me like good prospect. Sure tackler and, at least, he can run with receivers unlikly Yiadom can.
Bure9620
September 02, 2021 at 02:40 am
Denmark played one game against guys whom will not be in the league. There is a reason he is not coveted by the other 31 teams or he would be on a 53. Yiadom has played against NFL players with mixed results. He has struggled in coverage but has been a sure tackler and strong against the run. He will be an upgrade from Josh Jackson. Yiadom may be the best tackler of any DB on the roster which is frightening....for a sixth corner he is more than serviceable
croatpackfan
September 02, 2021 at 08:09 am
I did not expect Denmark on the 53. I expected him to be signed on PS.
All together I missed only 3. I had Begelton, not ESB and did not have Blair, but had Denmark!
I had either Kaufusi or Previlon but not both, instead of one I had Uphof.
LambeauPlain
September 02, 2021 at 02:48 pm
I believed Wilborn was going to be a tough cut after watching his high octane effort and instincts to the ball (to make tackles!!) during preseason.
I am so pleased no other team took him and he made the PS. Better backer than Burks who is a good ST player but below average ILB.
jhtobias
September 01, 2021 at 02:03 pm
For those complaining about uphoff exceptbfor breaking one special teams double team against the jets what else did he do?
Thegreatreynoldo
September 02, 2021 at 01:38 am
He did it a second time.
I am not complaining. He didn't impress on the field. I have no opinion on Uphoff other than as a H/W/S prospect. Lots of those.
stockholder
September 01, 2021 at 02:09 pm
I really think the Ps isn't that good. Other then Benkert and St.Brown. I'd dump them all. Your WR position will be Re-drafted. The Freakish player is at WR now. And if Benkert can't throw downfield. Find someone who can. Gutey just proved he can draft a starter on the OL. The RBs failed. There is no electricity with the the back-ups. The Lbs and DL have been avoided forever. I'm all for bringing in someone else. The secondary is about speed. I think we still can top these guys. Tackling is a lost art.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
September 01, 2021 at 02:23 pm
SH,
What do you mean by the RB's failed?
Every year, us fans over value these PS players because we watch them and root for them. But yes, if they were that talented they would be pilfered by 31 other teams. Meaning I agree with some of what you are saying. It is my hope that since the Packers have such a strong team that there is long-term potential with the players on the PS.
stockholder
September 01, 2021 at 07:32 pm
So your looking at Hill. He did have a good camp. And they got the right guy out of the 3. But- he is an over-achiever. He does run with some power and heart. But--- Great RBs make people miss. I thought they needed a speedy back. Didn't Ervin provide that? And I know Dorsey LEVENS DID. Hill dropped because of his suspension and time off. Don't expect him to be better then Williams. Gute's bar must be raised higher!
croatpackfan
September 02, 2021 at 08:11 am
It is 2021! Hello. NFL rules changed a lot. Good morning returner from the past!
dobber
September 01, 2021 at 02:41 pm
"I really think the Ps isn't that good. Other then Benkert and St.Brown. I'd dump them all."
They HAVE been dumped.
WestCoastPackerBacker
September 01, 2021 at 04:20 pm
Hahahahah, you're arguing about 4th and 5th stringers here to begin with. Of course they aren't that good. Nobody's practice squad is that good.
jannesbjornson
September 01, 2021 at 09:19 pm
They will need to scope other rosters and try to upgrade the ILB and five tech.
PhantomII
September 01, 2021 at 10:50 pm
Agree, pick the team with best DL and pull one off their PS. Same w/ CB or S or ILB.
Bure9620
September 02, 2021 at 02:44 am
If Benkert is throwing downfield for the Packers....the Packers will not be very good....he is just a dude
dobber
September 02, 2021 at 07:24 am
...but does he abide?
mattgsx
September 02, 2021 at 08:09 am
You can say the same of many backup QBs, as well as virtually all third stringers. He is an emergency option that can be elevated should Love or Rodgers not be able to suit up for a game day, but otherwise he's a scout team QB. The Packers could do much worse for that role than Benkert.
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
September 01, 2021 at 02:11 pm
Thanks Al!
Packers0808
September 01, 2021 at 02:30 pm
I think Dexter Williams and Begelton are both relatively large missing pieces on PS! Maybe some other teams showed interest in them and they refused PS. My thinking is Begelton said no!
Did see tho where no other teams at this point took any cut Packers! Kind of head scratchers. Still don't understand the Hansen team 53!
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
September 01, 2021 at 02:48 pm
Packers,
I personally from watching Dexter closely for 3 years saw things that concerned me. Patrick and Hill major upgrades over Dexter IMO. Not sure? Go back and watch Dexter's half hearted block last year that resulted in a blocked punt. Looked like Sternberger!
Begelton is just a guy! The Packers have quite a few young WR'S on the 53, and PS. Glad they got Winfree back. I wouldn't be surprised in a high draft choice at WR next year depending on Adam's and MVS situations.
Packers0808
September 01, 2021 at 04:25 pm
Sorry 100% disagree with everything you said! Williams made a big leap this and ran powerful, strong and low! No more need be said about Begelton great hand and EXPERIENCE!
Archaism
September 02, 2021 at 08:58 am
Took Williams 3 camps to show what he "might" do opposed the the current 3rd string RB who took a camp to do what Williams has shown...
Packers0808
September 02, 2021 at 11:40 am
And how many seasons did it take D Adams to show what he could do. I remember what 3-4 years ago or so everyone on here calling for him to be cut! Did you know your job right away and if you ever saw a playbook doubt you would ever learn it in a lifetime!
jannesbjornson
September 02, 2021 at 10:03 pm
ONE.
Bure9620
September 02, 2021 at 02:48 am
Begelton is 28 years old. Most teams prefer the bulk of the PS to be developmental players the organization believes they can mold for the future, a la Yosh Nijman or Robert Tonyan. At 28, you are what you are.
Lphill
September 01, 2021 at 03:57 pm
Begelton might not have the speed but he’s got the hands . Big mistake .
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
September 01, 2021 at 04:55 pm
I agree he has some good tangible but the Packers arguably have 8 better WR's already on the 53 and PS than Begelton, and that isn't even counting Blair who I admittedly do not know much about. Subsequently, why would we need/want another WR?. He isn't a young WR either!
Coldworld
September 01, 2021 at 05:17 pm
Blair is a small school development type like M Taylor was. As athletic and fast as he is raw. He’s a developmental prospect.
greengold
September 01, 2021 at 06:24 pm
The Packers add Malik Taylor to the roster for a total of 6 WRs, and they have Winfree and Blair on PS. The Packers will be fine without Begelton.
I may have been overzealous in support of Begelton’s under the radar futures signing, January 2020. KC had just won the previous SB with a WR who I wanted us to draft in Mecole Hardman, a tough pure slot WR.
When we signed him, we were in desperate need of a proven, pure slot possession WR with toughness, one who ran great routes. I liked him for our team. He’s got all of that except for the speed, in a league where everyone has speed. With Lazard’s emergence as a true enforcer last year, despite his being more of an outside possession receiver, Begelton became expendable this time around. Especially with adding Rodgers and Cobb, plus Taylor’s development. Gutekunst will find more WR talent for next year, pending possible extensions.
Bure9620
September 02, 2021 at 02:53 am
I don't see the other 31 teams tearing down Begelton's door to sign him. He would be no more than WR6 or WR7 for any team.
Fubared
September 01, 2021 at 05:56 pm
noticed no other teams jumped all over our guys, st brown, ento, benkert. hopefully none of them will be needed.
Since'61
September 01, 2021 at 09:16 pm
Looks like I hit on 12 out of 16 of the PS picks I made yesterday.
I missed on ESB, Chris Blair, Anderson and Molson.
It looks like they really want to try to keep Molson either for a possible Crosby injury or retirement at the end of this season.
ESB is probably a good move because he knows MLFs offense and if he can stay healthy he may still become an effective WR.
I'm OK with Anderson since the team can't have enough DLs. Blair over Begelton is a surprise to me but then again Begelton doesn't have great speed and maybe the staff liked whatever they have seen from Blair.
In any case it looks like a pretty solid group. Hopefully we won't get poached. GPG! Thanks, Since '61
MarkinMadison
September 01, 2021 at 08:45 pm
I think that Crosby doesn't need to retire - kickers can last longer than 37. His cap number next year is $4.7, with a dead cap hit of about half of that number. Next year looks like a rebuilding year, and they will need every dollar.
Since'61
September 01, 2021 at 09:10 pm
Agree that Crosby doesn't need to retire, I'm just thinking that's a possible reason for keeping Molson. You make a good point about the salary cap for next season and that could be a factor as well. I would prefer for Crosby to remain with the Packers for as long as possible but it's good to see that Gute has a backup plan for a very critical position on the team. Stay well. Thanks, Since '61
Todd
September 01, 2021 at 09:26 pm
I was surprised about Molson too, Since'61. It may have something to do with COVID. I thought I recall that concern coming up last year which is why they had an extra kicker near the end of the season. A risk mitigation If Crosby got COVID'd. Maybe the Molson Maybe one of the writers can track down the answer on that?
Since'61
September 02, 2021 at 09:07 am
Todd - good thought about Covid. That is a legit concern and a good reason to keep Molson on the PS.
Thanks, Since '61