As the NFL season charges into Week 3, the Green Bay Packers are wasting no time retooling their depth. According to reports confirmed by the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk, the Packers are signing defensive lineman Eric Johnson II to their practice squad. The move, first reported by Sports Illustrated’s Bill Huber, comes after the team released wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr., leaving three vacancies on the practice squad. With the defection of Nazir Stackhouse to the Tennessee Titans via waivers and Jaden Crumedy to the Houston Texans, Green Bay’s defensive line depth was stretched thin. Johnson’s addition provides immediate reinforcement.
A Familiar Face Returns
Johnson is no stranger to the Packers’ scouting department. Back in 2022, he was a pre-draft visitor to Green Bay, and the team showed interest before the Indianapolis Colts selected him in the fifth round (No. 159 overall). Now, four years later, the 6-foot-4, 300-pounder brings a wealth of experience to a Packers squad eyeing a deep playoff run. In his NFL career, Johnson has appeared in 51 regular-season games—40 with the Colts and 11 with the New England Patriots—logging 700 defensive snaps and 132 special teams snaps, primarily on field goal block units. His journey has also included stints with the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons, making Green Bay his fourth NFL team.
Why the Packers Made the Move
The timing is no coincidence. With Stackhouse and Crumedy no longer in the fold, the Packers had zero defensive linemen on the practice squad. Johnson’s familiarity with the team’s scheme from his pre-draft visit and his athletic profile—he posted a 9.39 Relative Athletic Score (RAS) out of 10, ranking 90th out of 1,459 defensive tackles from 1987 to 2022—make him an ideal fit. As highlighted on Vulius, his combination of size and agility could earn him a role on the active roster if injuries arise. The Packers also worked out eight players this week, including three interior defensive linemen, three wide receivers, a quarterback, and an international edge defender, signaling a thorough approach to roster building.
“Johnson’s experience and special teams value give him a legitimate shot to contribute sooner rather than later,” a team source told Vulius Sports.
For a Packers team with Super Bowl aspirations, every roster spot matters. General Manager Brian Gutekunst has shown a willingness to churn the bottom of the roster, and Johnson’s signing is another example of that philosophy. With Week 3’s Thursday Night Football matchup against the Atlanta Falcons—a team Johnson spent training camp with—looming, the timing adds an intriguing subplot. While Johnson may not suit up immediately, his presence on the practice squad provides insurance and competition.
What’s Next for Green Bay?
The Packers are expected to fill their remaining two practice squad openings by Wednesday’s practice. As the Vulius NFL Analysis Desk continues to monitor, expect Green Bay to explore adding depth at wide receiver and perhaps another defensive back. For now, Eric Johnson II gets a fresh start in Titletown, and the Packers get a versatile lineman who could prove to be a valuable asset down the stretch.
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