The Green Bay Packers released long snapper Matt Orzech from the 53-man roster to make room for defensive lineman Jonathan Ford, who was activated from injured reserve on Monday.
The move appears procedural and not indicative of the team’s plans at long snapper. Ford, who began the season on injured reserve after injuring his calf in the preseason, needed to be activated before his 21-day window expired. By releasing Orzech, the Packers opened up a roster spot and set in motion expected moves to come.
More than likely, Ford will be released from the roster and signed back to the practice squad. At that point, Orzech will be expected to return and continue on as the team’s long snapper.
The Packers already have five active defensive linemen, and Devonte Wyatt is nearing a return from an ankle injury. Ford, a 2022 seventh-round pick who has never appeared in a regular season game, makes more sense as a developmental option on the practice squad.
However, Orzech has been inconsistent as a snapper. He had a low snap to Daniel Whelan on a punt and a low snap on the game’s winning field goal on Sunday against the Texans. The Packers signed Orzech as a free agent ahead of the 2023 season, and he’s been the team’s long snapper in all 24 games over the last two seasons.
