BREAKING NEWS: Packers sign 2, release 2 on practice squad for their… read more

On Tuesday, the Green Bay Packers’ off day this week, the team announced a couple of practice squad transactions: the release of running back La’Michal Perine and receiver Jalen Wayne and the signing of tight end Johnny Lumpkin and receiver TJ Luther. These moves, particularly the swap of a running back for a tight end, shouldn’t have been shocking considering the roster counts on the team.

Perine was signed by the Packers on August 30th and was one of three running backs on the 17-man practice squad before his release. Ellis Merriweather, who was elevated from the practice squad in Week 1, and Chris Brooks remain on the roster at the position. Meanwhile, the team didn’t have a single tight end on their practice squad — and only three total on their whole roster — after the Carolina Panthers poached Messiah Swinson to their 53-man roster in Week 1.

Lumpkin began his NFL career in New England as an undrafted free agent last season. After he was waived around the cutdown deadline, he signed with the Indianapolis Colts’ practice squad and then later the Denver Broncos’ practice squad, but he has been out of work since the end of the 2023 regular season. By the sounds of it, he’s a blocking tight end.