Packers can get reinforcement at key position for Jeff Hafley's defensive scheme

When the Green Bay Packers released their initial 53-man roster ahead of week 1, the big surprises were players that had not been designated to return from injured reserve. Running back AJ Dillon and tight end Tyler Davis were placed on IR and are out for season.

But there is one player who was designated for return, and after four games he is already eligible to get back at any point. It's defensive tackle Jonathan Ford.

The Packers placed Ford on IR because of an undisclosed injury, and now they can open a 21-day practice window and activate him whenever they want. It does not mean Ford will get back this week against the Los Angeles Rams, since the Packers haven't revealed the extent of the injury, but the team could legally do that when Ford is ready to return.

New rule

The NFL created a new rule for injured reserve this year. Until last season, any player placed on IR before the 53-man roster was established would be automatically out for season.

If a team wanted to place a player on IR but eventually get him back during the season, it would have to make him a part of the initial 53-man roster, and then wait a day to place him on IR.

That used to create scenarios where teams would cut vested veterans (who wouldn't go through waivers) just to sign them back a day later. The Packers themselves did this with long snapper Matthew Orzech in 2023.

Each team is allowed to designate up to eight players from injured reserve during the regular season — and up to 10 if the team goes to the playoffs. The pre-53-man roster designation counts towards the limit.

Depth

It's intriguing to see what the Packers will do with Jonathan Ford, because there was an expectation late in training camp that he wouldn't make the 53-man roster anyway and could be more of a practice squad option.

Green Bay has rotated Kenny Clark, Devonte Wyatt, TJ Slaton, and Karl Brooks in games, while Colby Wooden has been inactive every week despite being on the roster.

However, Wyatt left the Minnesota Vikings game early with an ankle injury. If he is set to miss some time, Ford's return could be particularly relevant.

The Packers also have rookie defensive tackle James Ester on the practice squad.

Related: How Jordan Love played against the Vikings, and what the Packers can expect from him throughout the rest of the season