Green Bay Packers Make Roster Adjustments Ahead of Final Regular Season Game

The Green Bay Packers have made several roster moves ahead of their Week 18 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, including placing third-round rookie wide receiver Savion Williams on injured reserve. This decision comes after Williams has been dealing with a foot injury since Week 10 of the regular season.

Williams’ season is now likely over, but he could be activated for the 53-man roster if the Packers make it to the Super Bowl. Throughout his rookie season, he recorded 10 catches for 78 yards and one touchdown in 12 games. He also contributed on special teams with 11 rushes for 37 yards.

In addition to Williams, the Packers placed offensive lineman Donovan Jennings on injured reserve. To fill the void, they signed undrafted rookie wide receiver Jakobie Keeley-James and guard Lecitus Smith from the practice squad to the active roster.

The Packers (9-6-1) will face the Vikings (8-8) on the road at 1 p.m. ET on January 4. With no playoff implications at stake, this game serves as a final tune-up before the postseason.

Matthew Golden’s Role in the Playoffs

While the Packers still have first-round pick Matthew Golden available for the 2025 NFL playoffs, head coach Matt LaFleur and offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich have tempered expectations regarding his role in the postseason. During a press conference on New Year’s Day, Stenavich emphasized that Golden is not expected to take on a “premier” role in the offense.

“We have a lot of really good options when it comes to wide receiver right now,” Stenavich said. “Golden’s got a really bright future, and he’s very talented. His time will come, but right now, with the room the way it is, he’s not gonna be in that premier role when the playoffs come around.”

This approach suggests that the Packers are not losing much by placing Williams on injured reserve, as they have established receivers who can carry the load.

QB Decision and Roster Moves

The Packers also made two key elevations from their practice squad during Saturday’s final window for roster moves before the Vikings game. Tight end Drake Dabney and linebacker Jamon Johnson, both undrafted rookies, were called up.

However, what stands out is that the team did not elevate quarterback Desmond Ridder for the matchup. This indicates that backup Malik Willis — who is questionable due to a right shoulder and hamstring injury — may still be available for the game.

Willis has been limited in practice this week, leading the Packers to sign Clayton Tune from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. They also added Ridder to the free-agent market to take Tune’s spot on the practice squad.

The Packers have already announced that Tune will start at quarterback in the final regular-season game. If Willis is cleared to play, it could be either him or starter Jordan Love backing up Tune against the Vikings.

Final Thoughts

With the regular season winding down, the Packers are making strategic decisions to ensure they are in the best position for the playoffs. These moves reflect a focus on depth, experience, and managing player health. As the team prepares for the next phase of the season, fans will be watching closely to see how these adjustments impact their performance in the postseason.