Packers Reshape Quarterback Depth Chart, Sign Desmond Ridder, and Bolster Practice Squad Ahead of Postseason Push

The Green Bay Packers made a series of calculated roster moves on Tuesday, signaling both urgency and long-term planning as the team prepares for the postseason. In a move that reshapes the quarterback room, Green Bay officially released quarterback Clayton Tune from the 53-man roster and signed Desmond Ridder to the active roster after a brief stint on the practice squad.

In addition to the quarterback shuffle, the Packers also signed three players to the practice squad: wide receivers Julian Hicks and Kisean Johnson, along with tight end Messiah Swinson. The transactions reflect a front office focused on depth, flexibility, and readiness as the team enters the most demanding stretch of the season.

Packers Move On from Clayton Tune After Difficult Showing

Clayton Tune’s time in Green Bay came to an abrupt end following a challenging performance in the regular-season finale against the Minnesota Vikings. Pressed into action during a game that quickly unraveled, Tune struggled mightily to stabilize the offense.

Tune appeared in two games for the Packers during the 2025 season, but his most notable action came on Sunday, where the results were troubling:

• 6 completions

• 34 passing yards

• -7 net passing yards

• 4 sacks for -41 yards

The numbers paint a clear picture of an offense that failed to function under pressure. The Packers’ coaching staff was forced to watch a game slip away as the quarterback position became a liability rather than a stabilizing force.

Across his limited sample size with Green Bay, Tune completed 7 of 15 passes for 42 yards, threw one interception, and absorbed five sacks over 59 total snaps. While the circumstances were far from ideal, the organization ultimately determined that a change was necessary.

Desmond Ridder Elevated to the 53-Man Roster

To replace Tune, the Packers turned to Desmond Ridder, a former Atlanta Falcons draft pick who signed to Green Bay’s practice squad just one week ago. Although Ridder was not elevated to the gameday roster in Week 18, the Packers clearly saw enough in practice to justify making the move permanent.

Ridder’s promotion suggests the team believes he offers a higher floor and greater long-term upside as a backup quarterback.

At just 25 years old, Ridder brings meaningful NFL experience:

• 25 career games played

• 18 career starts

• Experience in multiple offensive systems

Green Bay now becomes Ridder’s sixth NFL team, a statistic that underscores both his journeyman status and his resilience. Despite bouncing around the league, Ridder has remained a valued depth option due to his mobility, arm strength, and familiarity with pro-style offenses.

For a Packers team navigating injuries and postseason uncertainty, experience matters — and Ridder provides it.

Why the Packers Prefer Ridder as the Backup Option

The decision to elevate Ridder over Tune is about more than one bad game. League sources suggest the Packers view Ridder as:

• More decisive in the pocket

• Better equipped to handle pressure

• More capable of running a scaled-down version of the offense

• A stronger option in emergency situations

With backup quarterback Malik Willis dealing with shoulder and hamstring injuries, roster flexibility has become a priority. The Packers currently carry three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster, allowing them to utilize the NFL’s emergency third quarterback rule on gamedays.

That flexibility could prove critical in the postseason, where depth and contingency planning often determine survival.

Practice Squad Additions Strengthen Skill Positions

Alongside the quarterback change, Green Bay also added three players to the practice squad, reinforcing key positions with developmental depth.

Julian Hicks – Wide Receiver

Julian Hicks spent his entire rookie season in 2024 on the Packers’ practice squad, where he earned praise for his work ethic and understanding of the offensive system. While he has yet to see regular-season action, Hicks remains a trusted depth piece who can be elevated in emergency situations.

Kisean Johnson – Wide Receiver

Kisean Johnson is an undrafted rookie out of Western Kentucky who spent part of training camp with the Cleveland Browns. Known for his quickness and route-running ability, Johnson adds speed and versatility to the practice squad receiver group.

His presence gives Green Bay another option for injuries or late-season rotational needs.

Messiah Swinson – Tight End

Perhaps the most intriguing addition is Messiah Swinson, a tight end who brings physicality and blocking ability. Swinson spent most of the 2024 season on the Packers’ practice squad, though he briefly appeared on the Carolina Panthers’ 53-man roster for three weeks in September.

Swinson is widely regarded as a capable inline run-blocker, a skill set that becomes especially valuable in cold-weather, late-season football. With the Packers preparing for a potential matchup against the Chicago Bears, Swinson could be a realistic elevation candidate if Green Bay prioritizes heavy formations and run-game balance.

Strategic Timing Ahead of the Postseason

These roster moves come at a critical juncture. The Packers are transitioning from the regular season into playoff mode, where every roster spot must serve a clear purpose.

The release of Tune, the promotion of Ridder, and the practice squad signings all point to a front office operating with urgency and clarity. Green Bay is not experimenting — it is preparing.

Depth at quarterback is especially vital given:

• Malik Willis’ injury concerns

• The physical nature of postseason football

• The unpredictability of cold-weather games

Having a trusted emergency quarterback available on gameday could be the difference between survival and elimination.

What This Means Moving Forward

While Desmond Ridder is unlikely to challenge for a starting role, his presence stabilizes the quarterback room and provides insurance at a critical time. The Packers have effectively raised their floor at the position while maintaining roster flexibility.

Meanwhile, the additions of Hicks, Johnson, and Swinson reinforce the idea that Green Bay is preparing for multiple scenarios, from injuries to matchup-specific elevations.

These are not flashy moves — but in January football, they are often the most important ones.

Final Thoughts

The Packers’ Tuesday roster shuffle reflects a team that understands the stakes. By moving on from Clayton Tune, elevating Desmond Ridder, and reinforcing the practice squad, Green Bay has taken decisive steps to protect itself against uncertainty.

As the postseason approaches, stability, preparation, and depth will matter more than ever. These moves may not dominate headlines, but they could quietly play a significant role in how far the Packers go.

In the NFL, championships aren’t always won with stars alone — they’re won with readiness.