Jovanny Hernandez / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Green Bay Packers Release Injured Wide Receiver, Bring Back Former Offensive Lineman

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Aug 5, 2025 1:14 PM ET

One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Green Bay Packers during training camp is the battle for just one or two open spots at the wide receiver position. Traditionally, the Packers have taken six wide receivers on the 53-man roster, though they have taken seven in the past from time to time.

This year, one should consider young veterans drafted by Green Bay such as Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks to be locks for the 53-man roster. Additionally, 2025 NFL Draft picks Matthew Golden (first round) and Savion Williams (third round) should be considered locks.

With Christian Watson still recovering from a torn ACL, this leaves just one or two jobs left for other roster hopefuls, including holdover Malik Heath and free agent signing Mecole Hardman.

But their path to the initial 53-man roster just got a bit clearer thanks to today’s transactions.

The Green Bay Packers Release Sam Brown, Sign Lecitus Smith

Green Bay Packers Release Injured Wide Receiver, Bring Back Former Offensive Lineman 5 Green Bay Packers guard Lecitus Smith (61) is shown during the team’s mini camp Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

On Tuesday, the Packers announced that they had released wide receiver Sam Brown Jr., an undrafted free agent, with an injury designation. To replace him on the 90-man roster, Green Bay brought back offensive lineman Lecitus Smith:

The Packers waived/injured WR Sam Brown as a corresponding move. https://t.co/nXp1TZ93Ql

— Easton Butler (@Easton__Butler) August 5, 2025

The addition of Smith makes sense for Green Bay as left tackle Rasheed Walker is dealing with a groin injury and is unable to practice.

As for Brown, who was a teammate of Golden’s back when they both played for Houston, he will likely get an injury settlement from the Packers before trying to find a spot on a roster elsewhere.

With Brown’s departure, the wide receivers competing for a spot on the 53-man roster are Heath, Hardman, Julian Hicks, Cornelius Johnson, and Will Sheppard.

What makes the competition even more stiff is that, with Bo Melton moving from wide receiver to cornerback, it appears that Green Bay is looking to fill their fringe roster spots with exceptional special team players. That is where these roster hopefuls will need to shine during practice in order to make it.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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