The Green Bay Packers’ attempt to develop outside linebacker Tim Williams will continue on the practice squad.
Two days after releasing Williams to make room for Ibraheim Campbell on the 53-man roster, the Packers announced that they signed the third-year edge rusher back to the practice squad.
In a corresponding roster move, the Packers released guard Ben Braden from the practice squad.
Williams, a third-round pick the Baltimore Ravens in 2017, played in just one game after being claimed by the Packers on Oct. 3. Both of his snaps came on special teams against the Detroit Lions.
Returning on the practice squad should allow Williams to keep learning Mike Pettine’s defense and learning how to be a contributing player under position coach Mike Smith.
He never had much of a chance to play on defense while operating as the fifth edge rusher behind starters Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith and top backups Rashan Gary and Kyler Fackrell.
Coach Matt LaFleur and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine both admired Williams’ athletic ability.
“What I saw today, obviously a really good athlete. He’s explosive,” LaFleur said in October. “He was a really good pass rusher coming out of Alabama. Just a really good talent. ‘Z’ was with him in Baltimore, so we have some familiarity in that regard.”
