Packers sign quarterback Sean Clifford to practice squad

The Green Bay Packers brought back quarterback Sean Clifford on the team’s practice squad on Wednesday, per Tom Silverstein of PackersNews.com. Clifford, the backup quarterback behind Jordan Love as a rookie in 2023, was released during final cuts on Tuesday.

The Packers traded a seventh-round pick to the Tennessee Titans for Malik Willis, filling the backup quarterback job behind Love.

Clifford’s experience in the offense likely led to his return on the practice squad. The Packers open the regular season in nine days, and Willis — a 2022 third-round pick who must now learn a new offense — might not have enough time to get ready to handle the No. 2 job early in the season. With Clifford on the practice squad, the Packers have an easy elevation option while Willis gets up to speed.

Clifford, a fifth-round pick in 2023, struggled during the preseason, completing only 22 of 43 attempts. He fumbled twice and threw an interception while struggling to operate under pressure.

The Packers also released rookie seventh-round pick Michael Pratt on Tuesday. It’s unclear where he’ll wind up, but the Packers don’t generally like keeping four quarterbacks.

The practice squad has 16 open spots. The Packers would get a free 17th spot if they retain international kicker Alex Hale.