The Green Bay Packers continued to tinker with their roster Monday, releasing linebacker Kristian Welch.
A sixth-year veteran out of Iowa, Welch was in his second stint with Green Bay. He made his season debut in Sundayâs 16-13 loss to the Carolina Panthers after being elevated from the practice squad.
The Packers sit atop the NFC North at 5-2-1.
Packers Lose Core Special Teamer to IR
After spending the first eight weeks on the practice squad, Welch, 27, was signed to the 53-man roster following an injury to core special teamer Nick Niemann. Welch played 10 special-teams snaps on Sunday: four on kickoff coverage and three apiece on kickoff return and punt return.
With the Packers scheduled to host the Philadelphia Eagles next Monday, itâs possible that Welch will be re-signed over the coming days.
His absence leaves the Packers thin at linebacker. Niemann, a fifth-year veteran with 11 tackles in seven games, was placed on injured reserve Saturday with a pectoral injury. Niemann, whose 114 special teams snaps rank third on the team behind Isaiah McDuffie and TyâRon Hopper, will miss at least the next three games before he is eligible to return this season.
Welch Was in Second Stint with Packers
Welch was also with the Packers in 2023, recording six tackles in 14 games. He signed with the Denver Broncos the following offseason but was released after just six games. He finished the 2024 campaign with the Baltimore Ravens, reuniting with the franchise that signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2020.
In 73 career games (two starts) in the NFL, the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Welch has 40 tackles (20 solo) and one fumble recovery.
Packers Star Tight End Diagnosed with ACL Tear
With Welch released and tight end Tucker Kraft landing on IR with an ACL tear, the Packers now have two open spots on their 53-man roster.
Kraft, who turned 25 on Monday, was well on his way to a breakout season, having recorded 32 receptions for a team-high 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight games.
Luke Musgrave is in line to take over No. 1 tight end duties, though itâs possible the Packers try to swing a deal before Tuesdayâs trade deadline.
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