Packers Shake Up Roster: Four Surprising Moves That Could Change the Season

If you think Thanksgiving football is just about turkey and parades, think again—because the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions are about to add another fiery chapter to the NFL’s most historic holiday rivalry. This week’s matchup at Ford Field ain’t just another game; it’s the Packers’ third straight Thanksgiving gig and their 23rd showdown against the Lions on this very day. Now, here’s the kicker—literally—the Packers shook things up with four roster moves midweek, saying goodbye to backup kicker Lucas Havrisik and rolling out fresh faces like rookie WR Will Sheppard, plus elevated linebacker Jamon Johnson and defensive back Jaylin Simpson. As injuries mount and depth charts shuffle, you gotta wonder: Can these mid-season tweaks flip the script for Green Bay, or will holiday magic stay elusive? Buckle up—this Thanksgiving game promises more twists than your Aunt’s secret stuffing recipe.

GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 14: Flags fly at Lambeau Field prior to the NFL game between the New York Jets and the Green Bay Packers on September 14, 2014 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Jets 31-24. — (Photo by Kena Krutsinger/Getty Images)

The Green Bay Packers face the Detroit Lions on Thursday in a pivotal NFC North matchup at Ford Field. This marks the Packers’ third consecutive Thanksgiving Day appearance and their 23rd Thanksgiving meeting with the Lions, extending the NFL’s most frequently played matchup on the holiday.

Preparing for the trip to Detroit, the Green Bay Packers conducted their only full practice of the week on Wednesday while adjusting their 53-man roster. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the organization executed four roster moves ahead of the matchup.

The Packers released kicker Lucas Havrisik, who had served as the backup on the active roster since Week 6. His departure created a vacancy for rookie wide receiver Will Sheppard, who was signed from the practice squad.

Additionally, the team elevated linebacker Jamon Johnson and defensive back Jaylin Simpson to the gameday roster for Thursday’s game against the Detroit Lions.

Packers’ roster moves:

Signed WR Will Sheppard from the practice squad to the active roster
Elevated LB Jamon Johnson and DB Jaylin Simpson from the practice squad to the active roster.
Released K Lucas Havrisik.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 26, 2025

Havrisik appeared in three games while Brandon McManus managed a right quadriceps injury. He converted his first 10 kicks, including a franchise-record 61-yard field goal in Arizona.

In Week 11 against the Giants, he went 1-for-3 on extra points in windy conditions. The team elevated Sheppard from the practice squad, likely due to injuries at wide receiver, including Matthew Golden (wrist), Savion Williams (foot), and Jayden Reed (inactive).

Johnson was promoted for a second consecutive week, indicating Quay Walker may not be available. Simpson, a 2024 fifth-round pick by the Indianapolis Colts, was also elevated to provide slot and safety depth.

His promotion addresses potential shortages in the secondary, with Keisean Nixon (stinger), Nate Hobbs (knee), and Javon Bullard (ankle) all managing injuries.

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