Personnel maneuvers related to the activation of Jonathan Ford from the injured reserve position have already been completed. The Packers signed Ford, who was released Wednesday and agreed to waive Thursday, to practice Friday.
Ford (6-5, 338) started the season on injured reserve/designated to return from a calf injury slow in the preseason. He missed four games, was designated to return, and then used up his 21-day training window, requiring the Packers to sign him to the 53-man roster. To make room for Ford, long snapper Matt Orzech was released. They were then swapped again on Wednesday, Walnut signed and Ford was released, allowing Ford to return to the practice squad on Friday.
Ford, a seventh-round pick in the 2022 draft, never appeared in a regular-season game. He was named to the 53-man roster as a rookie, but he performed well in every game. In 2023, Ford spent the entire season on the practice squad.
Ford finally showed life as an interior disruptor to start Year 3 in Green Bay. He played 72 defensive snaps in the 2024 preseason, earning four tackles and a good rushing grade according to PFF.
Ford will be given more time to develop the practice squad and give the Packers an emergency option on the defensive line. This season, he has three matchday promotions at his disposal.
