Packers Rumors: Poached an Offensive Player Off a Team’s Practice Squad Ahead of Week 6

   

Green Bay Packers, Luke Musgrave

The 3-2 Green Bay Packers play at home against the 2-3 Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals’ defense vs. the Packers’ tight ends is one matchup to watch throughout the game since the Cardinals rank in the middle of the pack against tight ends, while the Packers love to throw the ball to Tucker Kraft. The Cardinals’ defense has allowed 21 receptions on 29 targets for 211 yards and one touchdown, ranking 14th in receptions, 15th in targets, and 16th in receiving yards, per Pro Football Reference. 

The Packers’ tight end room could be shorthanded since their other tight end is nursing an injury.

The Green Bay Packers’ former second-round pick did not participate in last week’s game

Green Bay Packers, Luke Musgrave
Sep 29, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (88) against Minnesota Vikings cornerback Shaquill Griffin (1)during their football game on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Mandatory Credit: William Glasheen/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Luke Musgrave popped up on last week’s injury report with a new ankle injury. Musgrave did not participate in last week’s practice, but the team listed him as questionable. Although he was active for their Week 5 game against the Los Angeles Rams, he didn’t log a single snap.

Musgrave participated in Wednesday’s practice as a limited participant. It’s unclear if the team will place him on injured reserve because they signed a tight end to the active roster.

Atlanta Falcons, John FitzPatrick
Aug 9, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end John FitzPatrick (87) is tackled short of the end zone by Miami Dolphins cornerback Ethan Bonner (27) in the first quarter during preseason at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Packers poached John FitzPatrick off the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad. NFL rules require players poached from a team’s practice squad to receive three weekly checks, and they count against the 53-man roster for at least three weeks, even if they get released.

 

Here is a quick review of his NFL career

Atlanta Falcons, John FitzPatrick
Oct 1, 2023; London, United Kingdom; Atlanta Falcons tight end John FitzPatrick (87) reacts during the first half of an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter van den Berg-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons drafted John FitzPatrick in the 6th round, 213th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft. FitzPatrick, primarily known as a blocking tight end, is 6’7″, weighs 250 pounds, and played college football for the Georiga Bulldogs.

FitzPatrick missed the entirety of his rookie season with an undisclosed injury. He made the 53-man roster in his second season but didn’t play much, participating in 18 offensive snaps. He only suited up for nine games and caught his lone target for 12 yards. Unfortunately, the Falcons released him during the roster cutdown deadline and re-signed him to their practice squad.