Packers release K Lucas Havrisik among 4 roster moves before facing Lions

The Green Bay Packers announced four different roster moves, including the release of kicker Lucas Havrisik, before playing the Detroit Lions in Week 13. The team released Havrisik, who has been the backup kicker on the 53-man roster since Week 6, to clear a roster spot for rookie receiver Will Sheppard, who was signed from the team's practice squad. The Packers also elevated linebacker Jamon Johnson and defensive back Jaylin Simpson from the practice squad to the gameday roster for Week 13, making both available for the Packers on the active roster for Thursday's showdown with the Lions at Ford Field.

A quick breakdown of the four roster moves announced on Wednesday:

Release K Lucas Havrisik

Havrisik played in three games for the Packers while Brandon McManus worked through a lingering right quad injury over the last two months. He made his first 10 kicks, including a franchise record 61-yard field goal in Arizona, during relief appearances against the Bengals in Week 6 and Cardinals in Week 7. Pressed back into action against the Giants in Week 11, Havrisik went 1-for-3 on extra points during a windy day at MetLife Stadium. Over three games, Havrisik made four field goals (two between 30-39 yards, one between 40-49 yards and one 61-yarder) and 7-of-9 extra points. Brandon McManus, who was off the injury report last week and made all five of his kicks in a win over the Vikings on Sunday, will be the only kicker moving forward, suggesting the Packers are finally fully comfortable with his injury situation. It's possible Havirisk could return on the practice squad if he can't find an opportunity elsewhere and wants to keep developing in Green Bay.

Sign WR Will Sheppard from practice squad

Sheppard, an undrafted rookie out of Colorado, has spent the entire regular season on the Packers practice squad. His signing could suggest the Packers are expecting to be shorthanded at receiver, where Matthew Golden (wrist) and Savion Williams (foot) are both battling injuries and Jayden Reed (designated for return from injured reserve) wasn't activated to the roster. Sheppard caught three passes for 23 yards and a touchdown and also returned five punts during the preseason. It's possible he could be used to return punts against the Lions, freeing Romeo Doubs from the job. But throwing a rookie with no experience into the punt returning fire in a hostile environment at Ford Field would be a huge special teams risk for Rich Bisaccia and Matt LaFleur. More than likely, the Packers just need the extra body at receiver for Thursday, and Sheppard will be released next week to make room for Reed's activation.

Elevate LB Jamon Johnson

This is the second straight elevation for Johnson, who was up from the practice squad last week but then made inactive. His elevation this week suggests Quay Walker might not be ready to return on Thursday. Last week, the Packers got by with Edgerrin Cooper, Isaiah McDuffie, Ty'Ron Hopper and Kristian Welch at linebacker. Also, keep in mind, Cooper is dealing with foot and shoulder injuries.

Elevate DB Jaylin Simpson

Simpson, a fifth-round pick of the Colts in 2024, is a combo slot/safety type. His elevation could be special teams related, or the Packers believe they are going to be shorthanded in the secondary with Keisean Nixon (stinger) and Nate Hobbs (knee) both injured and Javon Bullard playing through an ankle injury. Simpson wouldn't necessarily help with the perimeter depth concerns if Nixon and Hobbs can't go, but he would give the Packers some options if more injuries hit the secondary on Thursday. This is Simpson's first elevation.

What moves weren't made?

The Packers didn't elevate Pierre Strong, suggesting running back Josh Jacobs will return and play through a knee contusion. Strong was elevated last week as a depth option behind Emanuel Wilson and Chris Brooks. Also, the Packers didn't activate Jayden Reed, so he'll be out again on Thursday. His return should arrive in Week 14 against the Bears.

This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers release Havrisik, make 4 roster moves before facing Lions