In Week 14, the Green Bay Packers faced a disappointing defeat against the New York Giants. In response, they’ve made some strategic changes to their roster as they gear up for Week 15, hoping to improve their chances of victory.
The Packers released cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly, making room on their 53-man roster. This move comes as Eric Stokes, who was on the injured reserve since late October, resumed practice last week. Stokes’ potential return might have influenced this decision, reported CBS Sports.
Additionally, the Packers have adjusted their practice squad. Wide receiver Thyrick Pitts was signed, while linebacker Austin Ajiake was released. The inclusion of Pitts increases the count of wide receivers on the practice squad to three, joining Bo Melton and Grant DuBose. This suggests that the Packers might be considering promoting one or more receivers to the active roster, particularly in light of recent injuries.
Injuries have indeed been a challenge for the Packers. Wide receiver Christian Watson missed the Week 14 game due to a hamstring injury. Rookies Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks also sustained injuries in the same game, with Reed suffering a concussion and Wicks an ankle injury.
Despite these challenges, the Packers remain focused and determined as they approach Week 15, with quarterback Jordan Love expressing confidence in the team’s ability to rebound. At 6-7 for the season, the Packers are still in the running for a Wild Card spot and need to secure wins in their final four games to maintain their playoff hopes. Their next game is against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and they are motivated to leave their recent loss behind and return to winning ways.
AFC Playoff Picture
| SEED | TEAM | W | L | T | PCT | DIFF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | y-Ravens | 10 | 3 | 0 | .769 | +143 |
| 2 | y-Dolphins | 9 | 4 | 0 | .692 | +117 |
| 3 | y-Chiefs | 8 | 5 | 0 | .615 | +64 |
| 4 | y-Jaguars | 8 | 5 | 0 | .615 | +22 |
| 5 | x-Browns | 8 | 5 | 0 | .615 | +17 |
| 6 | x-Steelers | 7 | 6 | 0 | .538 | -40 |
| 7 | x-Colts | 7 | 6 | 0 | .538 | -16 |
| 8 | Texans | 7 | 6 | 0 | .538 | +8 |
| 9 | Broncos | 7 | 6 | 0 | .538 | -22 |
| 10 | Bengals | 7 | 6 | 0 | .538 | -7 |
| 11 | Bills | 7 | 6 | 0 | .538 | +104 |
| 12 | Chargers | 5 | 8 | 0 | .385 | 0 |
| 13 | Raiders | 5 | 8 | 0 | .385 | -57 |
| 14 | Jets | 5 | 8 | 0 | .385 | -56 |
| 15 | Titans | 5 | 8 | 0 | .385 | -41 |
| 16 | e-Patriots | 3 | 10 | 0 | .231 | -103 |